August 2011, Issue 6
Contract is Our Deal.
The Official Newsletter of TWU 577
the Union of Allegiant Air Flight Attendants
MGMT. THROWS OUR TWU REP. ON THE BUS!
Kevin Barber’s Base Tour visit in BLI causes stir - What are they afraid of?
As our TWU Rep Kevin Barber continued on his Allegiant Air Base Tour, he decided to make his way to BLI on Thursday afternoon for a chance to answer questions and hand out bag tags. He was met by BLI based NT member Katie Fowle who stayed with Kevin to introduce him to crew members as they showed up for work.
It was a very productive day as they visited in the terminal and the crew lounge and had a chance to speak with several flight attendants as well as pilots on current issues affecting us here at TWU Local 577.
As the two sat around making conversation with crew members, the station manager walked in and after a brief introduction to Kevin, joined them in laughing and joking and sharing stories. At some point however, a call was made by someone (perhaps that same station manager?) to Allegiant upper-management that Kevin was there.
One might find it interesting that as Flight Attendants, we attempt to contact our In-Flight Management on a regular basis to report serious safety issues and concerns, only to find that Management is far too busy to answer a phone call or an email in a timely manner. But let someone alert them that Kevin Barber, our TWU Rep. and Southwest Flight Attendant, is anywhere around and suddenly they have all the time they need to take action.
Unbeknownst to Kevin as he sat there in BLI answering questions and telling stories, Allegiant management was taking steps to ensure that Kevin was denied boarding for his flight home. Yes, as childish and unprofessional as that seems, the CSA's in BLI were informed to disregard our Cabin Agreement with Southwest and deny Kevin the ability to jump-seat home.
The thing that seems most bothersome is that at no time has the TWU been anything but respectful to the management at Allegiant. Our website and monthly newsletter, which are edited and managed by Kevin, have never had anything inflammatory about the company nor the management team. But clearly management is bothered by Kevin's presence and the mere mention of his name snaps them to attention.
So Kevin took a nearly three hour bus ride to Seattle where he was able to jump-seat home on SWA and get back to business. It was an inconvenience but gave him insight as to what kind of company he and the TWU are dealing with.
Kevin's resolve to continue his base tour is now stronger than ever. He wants everyone to know that he and the brotherhood of TWU care about our Local 577 and will do whatever it takes to support us as we fight the fight for our first contract.
That being said, if you want this reporter's opinion, the next time you want to grab the attention of Management to report an issue or concern, try telling them that Kevin Barber is somewhere close by. They'll respond almost immediately.