It never fails to make me smile when union leaders and spokespersons valiantly proclaim managers cannot replace unionized workers. For example, Air Canada is vowing to carry-on providing service even as clerks represented by the Canadian Auto Workers strike.
The airline has downplayed the potential impact of a strike and said it would continue to operate a "full flight schedule" with more than 1,700 managers assisting at airports and call centres. A union representative was skeptical.
"That can't happen," said Corinne Aubin, vice-president of the western region for Local 2002, after workers walked out in Edmonton. "We have 3,800 workers that are out, that are experienced. Their average experience is 20 years … you don't replace that with somebody who took a two-week training course.
link: Ottawa stands ready to end Air Canada strike - Canada - CBC News
Hmmm - seems Air Canada hasn't had too much trouble on the first day of the strike. Checking-in passengers, making reservations, etc. just isn't all that complicated and it doesn't take 20 years to learn. A union leader should be careful about highlighting the simplicity of the work for which members are demanding greater compensation. Many of us have been making our own reservations and doing our own check-ins online for years. What does take years to learn is the surly attitude towards the passengers paying their wages that so many Air Canada personnel hold.
A positive outcome of the strike would be if more passengers commence using the do-it-yourself tools the airline already provides. Faster, smoother check-ins and less need for clerks sending a share of their wages to CAW headquarters to keep the union leaders in the style to which they have become accustomed would be a good thing.
As with the currently striking postal workers, Canadians have options that don't include relying on antiquated, unionized workforces and their coddled leaders.
