All businesses, including airlines, are looking for ways to save money. Ask any economist, and theyll tell you that saving money is the way to make money.
For airlines, paying flight attendants
a criminally low wage shouldnt be one of them.
Flight attendants are more than just ambassadors in the sky. Thats just a fancy and nice compliment. They are deserved, of course, but they are so much more than that.?Frankly, they are the glue that keeps air travel running.
As the union representing flight attendants alleges, sleeping in cars is unacceptable. It might be considered a way to combat the high cost of living in some metro areas, but its no way to live. Taking an extra shift just to get a free meal is no way to live. They are literally on the front lines.
They constantly deal with passengers who are rude, insensitive, and sometimes intoxicated and prone to physical assault. Flight attendants should receive bonus pay just for that alone. And yet, its a shame that they dont even get paid until the cabin doors are shut.
Not As Glamorous As You Think
Many outsiders think its a glamorous
job. Its not.
It can be, but it takes an inordinate
amount of time to gain the experience needed to fly to Paris and stay in a first-class
hotel. Otherwise, its puddle jumps and sleeping in subpar facilities with 10
other flight attendants and pilots.
And the bedbugs. Doesnt sound so glamorous right about
now, does it?
Several airlines are currently in contract negotiations with flight attendants. The situation shouldnt have to come down to words like strike and mediation.?Airlines should do the right thing and just pay them.
Airplane mechanics and pilots make
wages that are commensurate with the responsibilities of the job. And
rightfully so. But so should our flight attendants. The union said that some
flight attendants make $27,000 a year. If true, thats insane.
For now, airlines need to step up and pay their flight attendants for more than just passing out a Diet Coke; for more than just being ambassadors in the sky.
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