Thread: Current Economy/Job Security

I really feel unaffected by the state of things. In fact I'm pretty optimistic about my current situation. Not only is there virtually no threat of hour reductions or layoffs, but there's pay increases and better job security on the horizon. It's a union gig with a strong union, I know that I'll be making $27 (at least) an hour as a ramp agent in 8 years based on the pay scale, have top notch medical, 401k with dollar for dollar match up to 7.3%, profit sharing, and it's all but guaranteed. There would have to be a catastrophic collapse of the entire airline industry that would cause EVERY major American airline to fold in order to threaten my position at my job.

We're really not feeling the heat at Southwest at all. We're operating in the black and even expanding, opening MSP this spring and beginning code shares to Canada and Mexico within a year or so..

Have any of you guys ever applied at Southwest? Don't give up on the airline industry, there's still a future in it. No matter how bad things become, there's no way air travel in the US is going to go away. It's vital for the economy for there to be air transportation. The federal government would never allow all of the airlines to just go out of business.. Eventually things are going to turn around and be better than ever before. And for those of us who stuck around, we will be rewarded greatly.

Usually what happens in these periods of recession is there is a rebound. Things might be bad for a while, and maybe get even worse before they get better again, but then there will be a rebound. Take the great depression for example. It was by far the worst period in American history, but the decades to follow were by far the highest. There was no higher point in time to be an American than in the 1950's. We might have to slum it out for the next few years, but when things come around and we're all full tenured airline employees in a booming economy, we'll be on top..

In the mean time, come over to Southwest to alleviate some of the grief

I just work p/t for the benefits. Most people in RES at CO are there as a job so it is kind of nice for me. With it being slow it is easier to give up my hours. In fact I haven't worked since...September. I love it. Long term though I don't think that we have seen the last airline close its doors but I think most if not all of the majors will weather the storm.

I recently left Delta and returned to school because too me I do not see frontline jobs at airlines as being a career choice anylonger...seems that corporate is looking for folks to come in and work a few years and then move on to other things or only want a part-time job to supplement another income...After 5 years with Delta I left with a smaller paycheck then when I started being cut from 40hrs to 35 to 32 and then to 30...I have heard that the next bid will have some lines around 25-28 hours per week...

I currently am a contractor for Air Canada (no bennies) only because 1 flight aday is a great schedule to work around school and hope to return to Delta or another airline after finishing school so I can have the flight bennies or get such a great job at a hospital that I will have the money and the time to travel...lol...