As an elite frequent flyer of US Airways, it saddens me to see that employees would be looking to put their own company out of business. At a time when the company needs as much assistance from it's employee's, unions are urging their members to pull such drastic measures as the ones experienced by the airline this past holiday weekend. I'm not surprised by the baggage handlers, however, the actions of the FA's really surprise me.

The below note from Mollie McCarthy that was in USA Today online, is just a way for the union to make it look like they care. I'm surprised it wasn't Teddy that was quoted. Why don't these unions smarten up and take a look at what they are doing? It's too bad that the actions of a few will be the tragic down fall of a great airline.


Mollie McCarthy, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants chapter in Philadelphia, said 238 flight attendants called out sick on Christmas Eve this year, compared to 261 in 2003. She said 306 called out sick on Christmas Day this year, compared to 298 in 2003.

"We love this company. It is our home. It is our family," McCarthy said. "This time, the public is blaming us. We're their neighbors. We are the people who help them on the airplane. And they don't trust us anymore."

unions are urging their members to pull such drastic measures as the ones experienced by the airline this past holiday weekend.

Where do you have data to back this assertion? Even Chris Chiames, on the Today show, went to lengths to correcty Ann Curry's assertion that unions were pushing a sick-out.

I'm no fan of unions, but I believe this was a result of a bunch of employees who don't care, are trying to exact revenge on the airline, or both. I don't think it was an organized effort.

Unions always claim they had "nothing to do with it". I suspect its a legal stance they have to take, but its a public secret that they do a lot of these type actions.

Unions always claim they had "nothing to do with it". I suspect its a legal stance they have to take, but its a public secret that they do a lot of these type actions.

I was just glad to read today that US Airways is going to review the attendance of the individuals involved and take disciplinary action against those who have violated the attendance policy. :) ^

Unions always claim they had "nothing to do with it". I suspect its a legal stance they have to take, but its a public secret that they do a lot of these type actions.

It is a legal stance. To strike or call for a labor action at this point in the contract is illegal and would be an Unfair Labor Practice under the Railway Labor Act (which is what applies to airlines). I do suspect, however, that some of the posts on www.usaviation.com will be viewed in the investigation.