Applying for AirTran

[jetmech717]

Well whatever you need to think to sleep better at night. On behalf of the over 6,000 brainwashed employees at AirTran Airways......we wish you the best in life.

[pitchlock]

Hello, I realize that this thread was started by someone looking into a flight attendant position, but I noticed a few mechanics replying as well. I am currently a licensed A&P mech. and interested in employment with Airtran. I was wondering if any of you mechs. out there had any advice in getting my foot in the door. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Delta7203]

You called me disgruntled?!?!?! Who do you think AirTran's hiring when they hire ex Delta employees? Model employees? The cream of the crop? haha... don't make me laugh. Their disdain for AirTran makes my rants look like compliments!

Um...if the ex Delta guys dislike AirTran so much then why did they go look for a job there? Just wondering...

- John

[pitchlock]

Because Its gotta be better than lockheed
I know that no company is perfect but I feel that they arn't that bad. If I get in and find that I hate it as much as my current job then I'll just move on again

[jetmech717]

Um...if the ex Delta guys dislike AirTran so much then why did they go look for a job there? Just wondering...

Good point Delta...lol

Pitchlock...as far as getting in the door here, you need to apply online at our web site. The other option (which isnt very good if your used to a little more pay as a tech) is to get hired on the ramp or gate agent or customer service and then try to transfer over to maintenance. Good luck in your journeys

[pitchlock]

I've already applied online. I know its hard out there now but all I can do is keep trying places Thanks anyway.

[Doko Deska]

Thank you... And yes, I do sleep well at night, knowing that I made the right decision.

Those who are a part of the quilt, have a tough time seeing a pattern. Those from the outside see the pattern when seen from a distance. If AirTran's history is any indication of its future, the brainwashed are in for a long and bumpy ride. Just like Eastern and ValuJet, AirTran falls victim to looking at the industry in the short-term, and it will be their downfall.

On behalf of the thousands of us who escaped the clutches of AirTran, saw the "Writing on the wall" and realized that AirTran isn't "all that".. We wish you the best. We realized that AirTran employees are among the lowest paid in the industry. Apparently, disrespect is commonplace at AirTran, not only toward its employees, but toward its competitors. We realized that respect and AirTran mix like oil and water. Finally, when the union comes in to represent the rest of the brainwashed I really wish you well.

[jetmech717]

Doko:

On behalf of the thousands of us..... We wish you the best..... I really wish you well.

Why thank you Doko for the wishes and again on behalf of the over 6,000 employees who are getting paid to do a job on a salery that they agreed to and are paying their bills (hopefully)...best wishes watching our quilt grow, and every once in a while let us know how it looks.

[Captain Speaking]

doko:
Quote:
I had to laugh when I found out that Boeing was no longer making the 717. That was becaue the ONLY airline that made a long term committment to those low-quality airplanes was AirTran.

Your posts are riddled with factual errors. You are basing your comments on your vast experience of, what, hooking up power to them, dumping the lavs, tugging them, and loading bags?

I have flown both the 717 and the 73NG. Guess which one is more advanced? That's right, it's the 717, by far. And no one bought them, huh? Ever heard of TWA, Midwest Express? Aloha?

I worked as a ramper for Fedex. It is hard work, and not a long-term job. You either move up, or you move on, but whichever you do, try to do it with some degree of professionalism.

It's pretty sad that your biggest contribution to AirTran in a year and a half was the act of leaving and taking your poisonous attitude with you.

[rlipka99]

Originally Posted by JessK

I am planning on going to an open house for AirTran for a flight attendant position. As I read through all these posts, I'll admit I am torn on whether to go or not. My parents have flown on Airtran and they said that the flight was fine, minus the fact that it was a really bumpy ride. My mother in law wont fly anything but AirTran. I understand that there are risks taken when working in the aviation field, but I dont want to walk myself into a guarenteed death bed. Not trying to start a new arguement, I just wanted to know if anyone had any thoughts or opinions that might help make my decision a little easier.

Thanks!!
Jess

your fine

[haze]

Originally Posted by Doko Deska

Contrary to popular opinion, AirTran is predominantly non-union. They have around 6000 employees now, the Ramp, Reservation and Gate agents, among other admin employees comprise close to 3000 of those employees. That's a huge chunk of AirTran, and the Teamster's know it.

A union contract means millions to the Teamsters. If they successfully organize a vote, which may be later this year, chances are likely that they will succeed...

Doko Deska, our disgruntled ramp worker friend, is pretty much the poster child for what is wrong with the labor force in this country. Reading back through his posts I get the vibe that he longs for a French style socialist system where the work week is 30 hours, paid vacation is 2 months a year, health care is free, and wages are highly skewed in proportion to output. Sheesh, talk about acting like a "spoiled rich kid", who wouldn't want those things. Just remember a system such as that has production near the bottom of the international ladder. And how often nationwide strikes in France, even with that cushy labor environment, cripples the entire nation on a regular basis.

Ahhh, free market capitalism, crushing socialism wherever it rears it's ugly head:

AP
AirTran Workers Vote Against Unionizing
Tuesday December 20, 3:37 pm ET
AirTran Holdings Says Group of AirTran Airways Employees Vote Against Joining Teamsters Union

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- AirTran Holdings Inc. on Tuesday said a group of its AirTran Airways employees has voted against joining the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union.

Just 36 percent of the customer service, ramp and reservations workers who voted favored joining the union, the company said. Ballots were mailed to 2,353 employees and were counted by the National Mediation Board.

AirTran Airways employs 6,700 workers. The company's shares lost 6 cents to trade at $14.48 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Glad that most of AirTran's rampers don't agree with Doko. Someone here nailed it when they said he was just a bitter and disgruntled ex-employee with a chip on his shoulder

[AirlineFanatic]

How can anyone say that "AirTran" is unsafe? People talk like AirTran manufactured the aircraft. It's boeing or Mcdonell douglas from back in the day. Thats almost like saying. Every airline that has boeing aircraft is unsafe. Makes no sense to me.

[Doko Deska]

AP
AirTran Workers Vote Against Unionizing
Tuesday December 20, 3:37 pm ET
AirTran Holdings Says Group of AirTran Airways Employees Vote Against Joining Teamsters Union

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- AirTran Holdings Inc. on Tuesday said a group of its AirTran Airways employees has voted against joining the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union.

Just 36 percent of the customer service, ramp and reservations workers who voted favored joining the union, the company said. Ballots were mailed to 2,353 employees and were counted by the National Mediation Board.

AirTran Airways employs 6,700 workers. The company's shares lost 6 cents to trade at $14.48 on the New York Stock Exchange.

Unionizing is not a French thing. It's not socialism. It's politics. I don't know one company (other than AT&T, who brought in a union willingly..) who wants a union. No company wants to give up power.

Thirty six percent of those people saw that change was necessary. The problem is that Atlanta, realistically, has approximately 36 or so percent of the entire ramp and reservation population. Atlanta overwhelmingly voted in favor of a union; however, it takes the outstations to vote too, and most of them actually like their position, and very few of them want to "rock the boat" and jeopardize their jobs. Now, when AirTrash decided to close a few outstations in Florida and the Carolinas, that would have been a perfect opportunity to vote. But memories fade over time, and fear creeps back in.

Another reason this vote failed, is that reservations is a part of the vote, and anyone who's ever worked in reservations knows what kind of a boiler room crapfest that job is. Nobody gets up unless someone else is sitting down. Eight hours of answering phones and taking complaints. Reservation agents are watched and listened to constantly. It's worse than prison. At least in prison you get a toilet that you can actually use when you need to go without asking permission first. This environment is closed, closely monitored, scruitinized (conformity is the name of this game) and perfect for brainwashing!

Finally, the last reason why this vote failed is because the unions are weak and ineffective. Gone are the days of Capone and his charisma. Now the union is blamed for everything wrong with planes, trains and automobiles, and the union has done very little to answer the critics. This last campaign that the union waged against AirTrash was weak and embarassing! Hell, the campaign waged against Wal*Mart is even weaker.

If the union is to suceed, it has to change it's startegy, or it will fail again and again. No doubt this is the third time the ramp and reservation agents has tried and failed, and no doubt there will be a fourth, fifth and sixth time or more. One day the unions may overcome their negative stereotypes and succeed, but I'm not holding my breath anymore. The people I feel sorry for is the employees. Those caught in the middle, and told stories and rumors from both ends that are not true, thinking that if they vote one way, that their way of life may be jeopardized and ruined.

I've read some of your replies, and some have called me "disgruntled". Now that I look at my situation almost a year later, perhaps it was just politics and usual, and those who were openly honest about the need of a union were systematically dismissed by the company, including me. I'm still friends with a lot of folks who either left or were fired after me, and they all have similar stories to tell. They openly talked about a union, and how management looked to get rid of them, and miraculously found a way. Thats ONE way of keeping a union out, fire those who support it as an example for those who remain. In fact, I remember a few people on the ramp in Atlanta who told me that in the past, those who were the most vocal were the first ones to go (right before a vote, no less). I obviously didn't disappoint them.

I don't know the answer. All I know is that I'd rather be doing what I'm doing now, than work for a non union airline.

[haze]

Originally Posted by Doko Deska

Unionizing is not a French thing. It's not socialism.

You, and everyone else here, know exactly what I meant when I spoke of unions, the broken status of the French labor force, and socialism versus free market competition. No, unions aren't French Socialists. But they're damn sure not free market capitalists either. Just look at the current state of Ford and GM. Of course companies don't want to give up control, it's THEIR company to control. Want control? Start your own damn company

Still don't get it? Then here, let me help clear things up a bit for you. This pretty much says it all:

A Sorry Day for the Teamsters
Houston Chronicle – by L. M. Sixel – August 11, 2002

Nonunion construction workers used to cut costs on new Teamsters building

(Aug. 10, 2002)

Teamsters Union 988 is holding the grand opening this weekend for its new union hall, which is expected to feature Teamsters President James P. Hoffa.

But it has become a sour moment for other labor leaders because the Teamsters didn't use union construction workers. They were told by the Teamsters that union contractors cost too much.

"No one is happy about it," said Paul Dunnam, organizer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 716.

The electricians, along with other unions, complained to the Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council but to no avail. The council has no leverage over an individual union like the Teamsters because each local is run by its members.

"There are serious solidarity issues here," said Richard Shaw, secretary-treasurer of the Harris County AFL-CIO.

Unions are supposed to support each other, said Shaw. He recalled how other unions backed the Teamsters during its last strike against United Parcel Service.

Dennis Bankhead, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 988, said he wouldn't comment on the new building, adding it was unlikely any other Teamsters official would have anything to say...

[Doko Deska]

Originally Posted by haze

No, unions aren't French Socialists. But they're damn sure not free market capitalists either.

The Labor Organization movememnt is not Capitalistic? Really?

The organization of Americanized labor goes way back into the 20th century, when it was arguably needed. Back then the unions had power,and had the charisma needed to establish organization with the workers.

It's also interesting to note that American actors are predominantly union. Ever watch baseball? If it weren't for unions, million dollar contracts with professional baseball players would be non existent. Hocky players are union. ALL major alrline pilots are union (I may be mistaken, there may be some very small commercial airlines that hire non-union pilots, but very few). And most airline mechanics belong to a union.

Do you have kids? Your children's teachers are a part of a union, and they work for the government. In fact, most government workers belong to a union. Why is that? Becasue believe it or not, unions are still needed, because through Democratic debate this nation was founded. The need to be heard and be REPRESENTED is an intrical part of American history. You said that if I wanted control, get my own damn company, but most large companies are owned by shareholders, who have their voices heard through the buying and selling of their stock. There are even some companies who have as a major shareholder, the very employees who work there. What do you say to them?

This Debate is not Socialism vs. Capitalism, it's Democrat Vs. Republican, it's Conservative vs. Liberalism. This is as American as it gets!

[CSR-Agent]

Originally Posted by Doko Deska

I wouldn't call my feelings for AirTran "Strong", I would call them realistic.

I can't tell you of a single Airline that has a perfect flying record and has 0 customer complaints; however, I can tell you of a company who has the worst safety record in the industry. I can tell you of a company, who deliberately avoided a mechanics' union by hiring an outside vendor to do their maintenance, and swears up and down that they were not at fault when their "Critter" flight 592 crashed into the everglades. I can point to a few websites dedicated to perserving the memory of those passengers and crew members. I can also point to an airline in existance today, trying its hardest to forget those people, and to distance itself as far as it can from the tragedy that was, at the very least, 100 percent aviodable!!! Can you name that airline?

I can only name one airline, who is predominantly non-union. I can remember back in the early 1980's, when Eastern's unions negotiated contract after contract, and this airline matched them dollar for dollar, effectively avoiding a union for themselves. In fact, when Eastern's unions made consessions, this airline gave everyone a raise across the board. That same year, the employees of that airline bought an airplane, and gave it to their airline. This airline is at least 75 years old, and is wise beyond it's years, and has seen upstarts like AirTran come and go. Can you name that airline?

I was recently hired by airtran and to say they have forgotten that flight is an utter lie. During our training we were repeatedly told of the flight. We were trained to make sure that something like it never happens again. Safety is our number one goal and it is drilled into us what we should and shouldn't do. I also worked for another airline that had a flight crash and the only reason I was even aware of it was because one of the girls in my class googled it. Never once did that company tell us about it or tell us what went wrong or how it could be avoided in the future. When it was brought up in training it was quickly dismissed and the subject was changed.

[Doko Deska]

Originally Posted by Captain Speaking

Your posts are riddled with factual errors. You are basing your comments on your vast experience of, what, hooking up power to them, dumping the lavs, tugging them, and loading bags?

It's pretty sad that your biggest contribution to AirTran in a year and a half was the act of leaving and taking your poisonous attitude with you.

You know, it always strikes me as funny to hear someone say something like "why do you have an opinion, you've never been or done A,B, or C...." You know, I've never been to the moon, but I know it's not made of cheese.

Ok, so you have a "hard-on" for the 717, good for you! Maybe a few other Airlines bought the bird, but AirTran was by far the largest customer! Next time you fly one of them, bend over and ask Boeing for a "reach-around".

One last thing, if my attitude is "poisonous", then I've affected thousands of people at your precous airline worst than the swine flu! My attitude is like a ton of other people who work there, but obviously don't post here.

Just a word of warning for anyone who is thinking aobut making a career at AirTrash; as of September 2009, you will be the lowest paid professional working for the most profitable Airline in the U.S. today, and you will be paid with the least respect!

Captain, thanks for the "poisonous" comment. You give me more credit than I deserve!

[Doko Deska]

Originally Posted by CSR-Agent

I was recently hired by airtran and to say they have forgotten that flight is an utter lie. During our training we were repeatedly told of the flight. We were trained to make sure that something like it never happens again. Safety is our number one goal and it is drilled into us what we should and shouldn't do. I also worked for another airline that had a flight crash and the only reason I was even aware of it was because one of the girls in my class googled it. Never once did that company tell us about it or tell us what went wrong or how it could be avoided in the future. When it was brought up in training it was quickly dismissed and the subject was changed.

Is this person still working for AirTrash? If you are still with them, please come back on and give us an update.

myself are mechanics for AirTran and take extrodinary pride and proffesionalism in or work. If you dont want to be a flight attendant for AirTran because of a "bumpy" flight than I invite you to try other airlines who seem to avoid the bumpy airways. I will put our aircraft and our team against "any" airline out there on safety and performance. good luck in your career desicion, and staying out of a "Deathbed".