I am not defending it so much as pointing out that there is more to it than the idea that all employees will hate it and quit.
As for the pay rates, the employees are represented by the IAM. Why did they agree to a contract if they didn't like the terms? In that sense this is like the smaller stations getting outsourced. They knew what the terms allowed for and agreed to them. Doing so but not believing that the company will follow through on its end seems delusional to me.
https://www.iam141.org/docs/2013-201...0EMPLOYEES.pdf
ETA: Also, it seems that the agents are entitled to $75/month in telecom expense reimbursement for working at home.
The hours requirements are 86 for FTEs and 43 for part time.
The pay cut is ~15% based on my review of the contract.
Hourly rate starting 1 Jan 2016 by years of seniority
Code:
<1 10.25 8.72
1 - 2 11.02 9.37
2 - 3 11.28 9.59
3 - 4 12.05 10.25
4 - 5 12.82 10.9
5 - 6 13.59 11.56
6 - 7 14.61 12.42
7 - 8 15.64 13.3
8 - 9 16.66 14.17
9 - 10 18.97 16.13
10 + 24.96 21.22
My guess is that commuting costs are not 15% at the 10 year level. But I also don't know what value people assign to their time or what the commute times are like. I've driven a few times in Oahu and I'd be surprised if the numbers were small there. On top of that, picking up OT should be easier so those same hours previously spent commuting could become paid. That may bring the total comp for the total time spent back up to a decent level.
There's nuance in this, just like everything in life.
Also, mildly interesting, is that airport agents make more than phone agents, except those working at the clubs with 8+ years seniority.