Now it's NWA

[roz]

http://biz.yahoo.com/bizj/050718/1135291.html?.v=1

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050718/north...nics.html?.v=1

So the company is freezing pensions of salaried employees as a start and playing hardball--hiring replacements in the event of a strike.

[lucky81698]

Roz,


They have been trying to hire F/As and mechanics now for months. In our local paper there was an ad for a NW F/A training school (whatever that was supposed to mean) and in very small print at the bottom of the ad it said, you will be offered a position in the event of a labor disruption.

Jan

[Brenda]

I saw an ad like that too in the Orlando Sentinel. They are looking for F/A's and starting the "cattle call" in selected cities. Guess they're preparing for a blow out and will need the replacements. I don't know how they would do it with them since trng is about 6 weeks or so.

[lucky81698]

I believe the idea of the "school" is to have them trained prior to a labor disruption.

[Brenda]

Yes, I know what the whole "school" thing means, but it doesn't exactly make sense to pay for the hotels and training equipment and training for these "just in case" flight attendants. Plus, why would someone want to train for the x amount of weeks and not get paid for them and then not even be guaranteed a job. There's gotta be a bit more to it.

[Brenda]

Yes, I know what the "school" means, it just doesn't make sense for them to pay for training equipment, space, and hotels for the "just in case " crew.
Plus why would someone spend an x amount of time training without pay and then not even be guaranteed a job? There's gotta be more to it.

[Kristie]

that's right! this is what we saw over at Jetcareers...

NORTH WEST AIRLINES
Prepare for a career where you can travel the world!
Join us for training to become a Certified Flight Attendant
NWA is the world's fourth largest airline, together with its travel partners serving more than 900 cities in over 160 countries on six continents. Complete our paid training program to prepare for a career as a Certified Flight Attendant, and you may have the opportunity to travel the world.
To initially qualify for training you must meet several qualifications, including:
* At least 18 years old
* High school diploma or equivalent
* Two years minimum customer service experience
* Professional, well-groomed image
* Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position (including being at least 5'2" without shoes)
* Ability to read and communicate passenger service and safety requirements in a clear manner
* Ability to perceive and understand communications and respond to passengers and crew members
* Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
* Ability to dependably work flexible schedule including days, nights, weekends and holidays
* Ability to work with a team in a customer service oriented environment
* Possess the legal right to work in the U.S. with the ability to make multiple exits and entrances to/from the U.S. and countries that Northwest serves
* Ability to tolerate variable and frequent time zone shifts and frequent altitude changes
* Successfully demonstrate your physical ability to perform position-related functions and pass a drug screen/background investigation and fingerprinting/criminal history records check.
If you meet these qualifications, we invite you to contact 1-800-599-9211 or www.careerinairlines.com to complete a pre-screening interview by June 12.
Individuals who successfully complete Flight Attendant training may be offered employment in the event of a labor dispute or strike.
Northwest Airlines recognizes and values diversity.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

pretty disappointing!

[Brenda]

Gee, How generous of the company to contribute to the employees 401K. (being sarcastic) I can't even imagine what the employees who are ready to retire are feeling.
Hopefully they have money stashed under the mattress for these kinds of situations.

[lucky81698]

Kristie,


It is disappointing. I'm sure there are tons of people that signed up to do it too. Probably most of them young and not aware that they will be considered scabs if they are actually hired as "replacement workers during a labor dispute". And I'm sure there are ones that do know and just don't care. Apparently NW management must feel it would cheaper to them to pay for all of the training etc, than have a work stoppage. I wish I could find the one for the mechanics, but it was quite some time ago. I remember reading about it and the pay was very high, but I don't believe it mentioned anything about health benefits. I'll see if I can find it and somehow post it, because it was on a pay forum.

Jan

This is it. It was too large the first time I tried to upload it and I don't know why it does enlarge when it is clicked on??? Anyway, these ads were sent to alot of CAL mechanics and it was supposed to be a contract provider to NW.

[Kristie]

I found the ad (actual picture of it) for the F/A's.. I'll post it when i get home tonight. I hope the NWA F/A's can beat the heat - and remind the girls/guys walking in the door that they'll be blacklisted, like, forever!! that's not something worthwhile to have on the resume.

I heard thru the grapevine that the mechanics got the ok to strike.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050719/north...nics.html?.v=2