Asleep at the switch....

Last month, AA suspended eight mechanics for sleeping on the job. Apparently, the guys from Corporate Security walked into a locker room, and the rest is history.

Three of the mechanics were allowed to retire. The other five have now lost their jobs.

When I worked for AA, it was pretty clear: no sleeping, loafing, or other intentional restriction of output. Getting caught was usually pretty serious, and last months action proves that this is still alive and well.

Now, there are guys in the TWU calling for their members to work to rule:

LGA Mechanic Terminations

Brothers and Sisters:

This week 5 very senior mechanics based at LGA were terminated for sleeping while on duty. These mechanics were professionals and dedicated to American Airlines. They were fired for doing something that was against company regs, but was knowingly allowed by management to continue unabated for many, many years. Essentially, this practice was a benefit to both parties involved. In light of that, I feel that these terminations were unfair and will be vigorously defended in arbitration.

In regards to this and other recent similar cases, we must accept that the Company has changed, and in order to survive, so must we. The company has placed a renewed emphasis on rules and regulations. Some of these changes are welcome, and must be embraced by us. In a recent article of the "Daily Maintenance News Line" Executive VP Bob Reding is quoted as saying "We will not compromise safety at the expense of on-time performance, dependability , or any other operational performance measurement." I urge everyone to consider these words. Our work environment is no longer what it once was. We can no longer be so cavalier about rules and regulations, no matter how cumbersome they may be. I believe that no one can better change this environment that we work in but ourselves. It is up to us to accomplish this. Familiarize yourself with the GPM, especially chapter 13, "SAFETY." Remember, compliance with the GPM and other rules and regulations is a requirement of your job and your license. Use the maintenance manuals and work cards. Do not accept lack of time for not doing a job properly. It is not acceptable. Work safely and protect yourself. Work professional and protect your career. Anything less is unacceptable.

Sincerely,

John Iuliano
Pete Corabi
Angel Colon
Mark Hnat
Dan Knasick
Joe Urso
Angelo Ragucci

IF they manage to pull it off, it could get ugly. And, before all is said and done, I could see more people getting fired for crossing even an inch over the line of working to rule and "intentionally restricting output" as AA puts it in their rules and regulations.