1/
I had the opportunity during the past couple of days to have lengthy chats with both #United and #Southwest pilots. So this is both a bit of an explainer for what happened with Southwest’s weekend from hell as well as corporate #VaccineMandates writ large.
I had the opportunity during the past couple of days to have lengthy chats with both #United and #Southwest pilots. So this is both a bit of an explainer for what happened with Southwest’s weekend from hell as well as corporate #VaccineMandates writ large.
2/
Southwest has had just as many problems restaffing since May as the other carriers. (Note: the airline w the worst record on this is American. They sold tickets as if everything was going to be normal, but failed to staff to meet demand. The worst seems to be behind them now)
Southwest has had just as many problems restaffing since May as the other carriers. (Note: the airline w the worst record on this is American. They sold tickets as if everything was going to be normal, but failed to staff to meet demand. The worst seems to be behind them now)
3/
Southwest always runs a lean ship. They have very few extra crews to step in when there is a problem. They also count on crews picking up extra shifts, because oftentimes pilot earns double pay. #NiceIfYouCanGetIt
Southwest always runs a lean ship. They have very few extra crews to step in when there is a problem. They also count on crews picking up extra shifts, because oftentimes pilot earns double pay. #NiceIfYouCanGetIt
4/
This system works fine most of the time. But last weekend there was a weather issue, & there was an FAA issue, & that pushed the Southwest system to the brink. On top of that, earlier in the week, SW announced their vaccine mandate, & did so w/o fully consulting the union.
This system works fine most of the time. But last weekend there was a weather issue, & there was an FAA issue, & that pushed the Southwest system to the brink. On top of that, earlier in the week, SW announced their vaccine mandate, & did so w/o fully consulting the union.
5/
There were definitely some bruised egos. Said bruising contributed to fewer than 1% of SW pilots calling in “sick”, & fewer pilots picking up extra shifts. Normally, the system could absorb that. But add in the weather/FAA issues: a cascading series of failures.
There were definitely some bruised egos. Said bruising contributed to fewer than 1% of SW pilots calling in “sick”, & fewer pilots picking up extra shifts. Normally, the system could absorb that. But add in the weather/FAA issues: a cascading series of failures.
6/
The pilots’ union supports the mandate, &did NOT approve the sickout (&apparently had a fairly stern talking-to with the offending pilots behind closed doors). SW came out within hours of the TV governor saying vaccine mandates were banned, asserting they would ignore the gov.
The pilots’ union supports the mandate, &did NOT approve the sickout (&apparently had a fairly stern talking-to with the offending pilots behind closed doors). SW came out within hours of the TV governor saying vaccine mandates were banned, asserting they would ignore the gov.
7/
United was the first airline to announce its own vaccine mandate; It is now completed. At first 3% of staff claimed some sort of medical/religious exemptions.
United was the first airline to announce its own vaccine mandate; It is now completed. At first 3% of staff claimed some sort of medical/religious exemptions.
8/
Management explained not only would those fabricating exemption criteria be fired, but since vaccines r now industry standard, they would be ineligible to ever work for any airline anywhere ever again. 2/3 of those asking for exemptions withdrew their requests & took the shot.
Management explained not only would those fabricating exemption criteria be fired, but since vaccines r now industry standard, they would be ineligible to ever work for any airline anywhere ever again. 2/3 of those asking for exemptions withdrew their requests & took the shot.
9/
That left <1%. In the end it appears no exemptions occurred. United demanded doctor’s/pastor’s notes as proof of commitment; None of the <1% cld generate them. No surprise. Doctors say to get vaccinated, while no significant religion is granting waivers. (The Amish don’t fly.)
That left <1%. In the end it appears no exemptions occurred. United demanded doctor’s/pastor’s notes as proof of commitment; None of the <1% cld generate them. No surprise. Doctors say to get vaccinated, while no significant religion is granting waivers. (The Amish don’t fly.)
10/
So United's 3% turned to 1% turned to 500 turned to 350 turned to 150 turned to 6. 1 2 3 4 5 <6>. Those six are suing United. The case is winding thru the courts now w a ruling expected before month's end.
So United's 3% turned to 1% turned to 500 turned to 350 turned to 150 turned to 6. 1 2 3 4 5 <6>. Those six are suing United. The case is winding thru the courts now w a ruling expected before month's end.
That's TeXas governor.
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