UAL "Hat switch" ??

[Fox-Tree]

I like to check in with my former UAL bros once in a while via their "code-a-phone" and whatever other info presents itself. I really hope this perfect storm of events passes quickly and they (and everyone else in this ridiculous business) can get back to something closer to “normal”. They’ve been working under a brutal contract that was forced on them with the barrel of bankruptcy at their temple. The window is now open to begin to negotiate their new (and hopefully improved) contract but to date; the company has chosen not to return to the table. Frankly, that might be a good thing for now – I’m not sure it would be possible to negotiate improvements under the current circumstances. Even if the company offered, I think the pilot’s might think it prudent to stay away from the table until things get better.

So, the code-a-phone refers to a “hat switch” being on or off and directs them to wear or not wear their hats when they might be seen by management as a show of solidarity. I’m not attempting any kind of “flame” here. I am just wondering if the general pilot population at UAL really complies with this. It seems a bit silly, I think. I doubt management really cares about hats and who’s wearing them or not. It would also seem that the only thing an attempt to influence UAL management by “hat protest” would do is possibly make the pilot group look foolish. Go easy on me because I really tried to construct this letter respectfully. I really just want to hear some opinions on this – perhaps I’m just not looking at this the right way.
Thanks.

 

[G100driver]

I think it is trying to show management that the pilots are all on the same page. It has nothing to do with the hat itself.

 

[PCL_128]

Do most pilots actually comply with it? Seems like it would be counterproductive if half the pilots just ignored the "hat switch."

 

[Fox-Tree]

I think it is trying to show management that the pilots are all on the same page. It has nothing to do with the hat itself.

I get that part. I guess I'm just wondering if this action would really do that and what it the real value of showing them you're "on the same page". Does not wearing or wearing your hat in unison signal anything like a willingness to burn the house down or go on strike? I don't see the connection. One is A LOT easier than the other.

Put yourself in a management meeting (if that's possible): "We better make sure we don't pi$$ these guys off, they're not wearing their hats."

More likely, they'd just laugh.

 

[PCL_128]

I think it actually has some value if the overwhelming majority listen to it. It destroys management's argument that the pilots don't listen to the MEC. The key is getting all of the pilots on board. I'm not really a fan of using the hat for this purpose, but I guess it works.

 

[ATA For Now!]

The number of pilots I have seen wearing their hats in the last few weeks can be counted on one hand. The half wings (new hires) have special dispensation due to their probationary status.

 

[D-Bo]

Do most pilots actually comply with it? Seems like it would be counterproductive if half the pilots just ignored the "hat switch."

Over 90% comply.

 

[PCL_128]

Over 90% comply.

In that case, it sounds like a great idea. A perfect way to demonstrate unity.

 

[ReverseSensing]

I'm not really a fan of using the hat for this purpose, but I guess it works.

Preferable to using the pants.

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

Oooooh look out management!!! If we don't get our demands met, we're not going to wear our hats!!! That's what unions have come to! They can't strike, they can't stop management from imposing anything on a work group in the name of the economy. So what's the point of paying any union dues at all. Maybe we here at Jetblue can do the same by showing our management we mean business about putting a union on the property...Oh, wait, we don't have any hats do we? Well, errr, maybe we'll just taxi slow then.

 

[temcgrew]

Oooooh look out management!!! If we don't get our demands met, we're not going to wear our hats!!! That's what unions have come to! They can't strike, they can't stop management from imposing anything on a work group in the name of the economy. So what's the point of paying any union dues at all. Maybe we here at Jetblue can do the same by showing our management we mean business about putting a union on the property...Oh, wait, we don't have any hats do we? Well, errr, maybe we'll just taxi slow then.

or you could all stop cleaning the aircraft during turns.

 

[J32driver]

Pay no attention to Blue Bayou. He is just another of the 2%'ers.

 

[BLUE BAYOU]

Actually, I stick to Skim milk, thanks though...

 

[eaglesview]

There are a few reasons we have a “hat switch” at United.
1. It shows solidarity and clearly identifies those pilots who are not on board with the union!
2. It lets the company know we are together. This does work as we all received an e-mail regarding the wearing of our hats which obviously shows they are paying attention.
3. It does have an effect as the last time we did this we got a TA addressing the lack of work rules on the 737/320 fleets.
I do not know if anything will happen this time but I sure do like knowing which pilots are not with us. As they say if you’re not with us your against us.

 

[jimcav]

Oooooh look out management!!! If we don't get our demands met, we're not going to wear our hats!!! That's what unions have come to! They can't strike, they can't stop management from imposing anything on a work group in the name of the economy. So what's the point of paying any union dues at all. Maybe we here at Jetblue can do the same by showing our management we mean business about putting a union on the property...Oh, wait, we don't have any hats do we? Well, errr, maybe we'll just taxi slow then.

Maybe if you guys had a union those 190 rates would have been negotiated instead of imposed.