A reader wants to know some more about Northwest Airlines. "...would a merger be good for the flight attendants? I have a family member who is interested in applying but don't know enough about what's currently going on to give them sound advice."
Well there is nothing wrong with applying to work for a bankrupt carrier about ready to emerge from protection; however, there are some draw backs that come with the rumors surrounding Northwest Airlines and possible mergers with other carriers.
It is important to realize that working for a carrier just coming out of bankruptcy is not a bad thing. You have the chance to get your foot in the door, it comes at highly reduced pay and reduced benefits, but you will get the chance to get that senority number or even work some of the newer routes. Having not been a part of the last contract makes the reduced pay a little less painful but yes, the reduced pay from their latest contract offer by the company is something that could be offputting. It can be very difficult to support a family on some of the pay that is offered by the company.
The free travel is always a nice perk, but don't make that the only reason you would want to become a flight attendant for any airline, especially Northwest. I don't think the stress of having to deal with people each day, in and out, just to fly free would be a good reason to take a job.
Having said that, the rumors regarding a merger with Delta Air Lines throw an interesting wrentch into the situation. Mergers ultimately never create jobs, no matter how much the management says they do, they do not. Just think about it. Take US Airways and America West. They both operate say 4 gates at any airport, other than their hubs. Their planes leave 60% full, so they reduce the number of flights in order raise load factor. Now instead of 10 daily flights out combined, it's down to 6 or 7 daily flights. With reduced flights, you don't need as many gate agents, agents at the counters, and ground crews. Those jobs are lost or moved elsewhere.
The same can be true about pilots and flight attendants. Overlapping flights will be reduced, with less flights, comes a lesser need for flight attendants.
I personally believe that industry consolidation is needed, however it is going to come at a cost: that being higher ticket prices and another round of layoffs and furloughs throughout the industry. It is anyone's guess what airlines will be active members of the merger mania or which ones will sit out. My best bet is that NWA will be a player.
I'd say inform the family member of the positives, but make sure to inform them of the negatives and drawbacks too. It is an important decision that doesn't need to be taken lightly.
Here are some links that might be helpful:
Northwest Airlines Flight Attendants (NWAAFA.org)
Association of Flight Attendants CWA
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