NWA flight attendent possible strike this month?

[CarolA]

Sorry, I forgot not everyone follows airlines....

CHAOS is the sign for random strikes. Basically the FAs "randomly" don't show up. So if you connect in MSP or MEM your first flight might be just fine and then you get STUCK when flight two doesn't take off.

In theory this will create all kinds of problems. The union talks about it a lot, but it has only had limited use in the past. So no one is 100% sure.

 

[Julylady]

Well I did it! I re-deposited my NWA frequent flyer miles and purchased new tickets on United this morning. It cost me only $15 per person to cancel the NWA flights ($25 change fee less $10 refund). I got a good deal on the United tickets for my dates as well....and we are at WDW a whole 12 hours longer! And I save my FF miles for another trip next year. Yippee....no more worrying for me.....

Donna

 

[Pinnie]

Everyone thought the machanics strike would cripple the airline, not the case. So who says that they won't do the same thing with the FA and keep flying.

Only problem with that is NWA needs a LOT more FAs then they did mechanics. Living in the Detroit area, I have a few neighbors/friends that are FAs with NWA and listening to them talk over the spring/early summer, I wasn't optimistic that they were going to approve the contract. For that reason, I booked on an alternate carrier for my next 4 trips over the next month.

pinnie

 

[ReneeA]

Blah! It's not looking promising. So, if they strike, and we decide to drive it instead of chancing another airline picking us up, can I dispute my charges for the tickets with my credit card?

 

[CarolA]

The other thing is that mechanics actually are a little easier to replace (as strange as that may sound) There were already a lot of "outsourceing" companies who had certified mechanics out there. All NW had to do was contract with them. As far as I know there aren't any "temp" FA agencies.

Hopefully they will work something out. As in the DL mess earlier this year, a strike will probably be the final step and the next step is door closing.

 

[pugdog]

Thats one thing that some of these groups don't think of, go on strike and the company goes under. What would they rather have a job with lower pay or no job at all.

 

[Cameo]

I posted earlier that I sent NWA an e-mail with some concerns. Here is the repsonse I received.

In your email, you shared your concern regarding your and your family's
upcoming Northwest Airlines travel. I understand your concerns
regarding our Flight Attendant Contract vote and want to reassure you
that you can depend upon Northwest to meet your travel needs  now and
in the future. We are totally dedicated to continuing a full and
reliable schedule of flights as we work to resolve this issue.

Ms. Skager, Northwest bargained in good faith with representatives of
both the Flight Attendant unions. Northwest must continue to move
forward with its restructuring efforts. As previously approved by the
court, we now are implementing new contract terms and conditions for our Flight Attendants which are consistent with the judge's order and with
the March 1 tentative contract agreement which was not ratified. This
action will result in the annual savings Northwest required. If you
have additional questions, we invite you to visit our website
www.nwa.com for the most current information.

Should a disruption in our service occur, Northwest will make every
effort*to accommodate you on alternate flights.**Please rest assured
that we will continue to strive to resolve our labor issues and focus on our operation and our customers.*

Also, Ms. Skager, concerning your family's mileage used for their
tickets, you will want to contact our WorldPerks office at 800-447-3757. It is best to use their expertise in the event that your family would
not be using the tickets.

In addition, in the event that your travel was canceled and it was
determined that it was due to a strike on Northwests part, your ticket
would become eligible for a refund if you choose. Also, I am not aware
of any forgiveness regarding package deals. However, you may want to
check with your travel agent if you booked your reservations through a
travel agency.

Thank you for writing, Ms. Skager, and allowing me to respond. We
appreciate your interest in our company and hope to welcome you and your family onboard Northwest Airlines for your future travel needs.

Sincerely,

Fawn Uhrig
Customer Care
Northwest/KLM Airlines

I have been doing lots of reading of a couple threads on flyertalk.com and there really is no solid information available except that, as of now, flight attendants will begin striking the evening of August 15, most likely using the CHAOS format.

As I understand the bankruptcy judge is going to give a ruling on something on Wed, Aug. 9. We'll see what that brings.

I'm operating under the belief that this will get worked out before I leave on Aug. 17. This trip involves a training session for me and a surprise trip for my kids. I actually kept my mouth shut (and so did DH) for more than three months. It can't possibly be ruined now!!!!!

 

[hercamore]

Thanks for the info.

I fly out the 2lst, hopefully! I have a connection in MSP and MEM enroute to Pensacola, Fl.

wish me luck!

 

[Dodie]

I have NWA tickets from Indy to NYC and back on August 24 and 27 for a "girls' shopping trip." This is driving me crazy.

 

[Skroops]

Pick another airline. Pay more. There are bigger consequences to our society other than your vacation plans in this matter. Big business should not be able to do this and get away with it. Show your consumer intelligence and put your dollars towards companies who treat their employees properly. Look into it.

 

[hercamore]

skroops,

Like to pick another airline, but only two airlines fly out of my hometown to my destination. If I go with AA, I have an overnight layover in Ohare. No way.

herc.

 

[PortieOwner]

Thats one thing that some of these groups don't think of, go on strike and the company goes under. What would they rather have a job with lower pay or no job at all.

My cousin was in the union at Northworst. Made something like $70k+ a year and very generous benefits to drive the honey wagon at the airport. They had been on a mechanical team but hated it since many of the unionized workers were just there to collect a check and goof off at work. Not bad for someone with a high school education. Some places a good PhD won't make 50k.

Portie

 

[jsp2000]

Pick another airline. Pay more. There are bigger consequences to our society other than your vacation plans in this matter. Big business should not be able to do this and get away with it. Show your consumer intelligence and put your dollars towards companies who treat their employees properly. Look into it.

On the flipside, without these concessions, it is likely that NWA would no longer even be in business. This company is just now emerging from bankruptcy. The mechanics and now flight attendants unions seem to be doing all they can to keep the company on the brink.

It is not reasonable for someone that is paying hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars on a vacation, and in part on airfare, to expect a reasonable base level of service from a company. If that company's employees participate in an illegal action that degrades the company's service, that company should have every right to protect its interests.

I'm not saying either side is without fault. But the FAs have been dealing with these issues and this company for years, meaning, they know who they are dealing with. For the same reason I will not work for certain companies within my chosen field of work, the FAs at NWA have had plenty of opportunities to seek employment elsewhere during this bankruptcy.

The airline industry is undergoing a huge shift right now. FAs are never again going to make the wages they once were. That is capitolism. Our economy. These FAs are going to have to face that harsh reality. They have 2 choices: Leave NWA and seek employment with another airline, until that carrier lowers their wages, OR, deal with what NWA is giving them.

Punishing customers is not the way to get what you want. CHAOS is going to punish the airline by driving customers away. In the long run, that will hurt the FAs as much as it hurts the carrier...by hurting the carrier, FAs will be hurting themselves. These aren't auto makers...they're the service industry.