Labor Day 2009
"just my thoughts on it and some appreciation” by Michael Broadhead
I woke up today thinking about the fact that it is Labor Day. I began to think about all things that are in my life due to those who work in “labor”. Very quickly the list was several pages long. I was amazed at how quickly I had just taken it all for granted, the houses, condos, apartments, streets, sidewalks, airplanes, the nations defense, trains, buses, cars, food, water, electricity, hotels, pools, bridges, stadiums, clothing, bars, office buildings, shopping areas, sidewalks, airports and the list just went on and on. We certainly would have nothing that we take for granted and use everyday had it not been for those willing to work in labor. I am in deep appreciation for all labor workers-and I thank every single one of you!
We have a heard a lot lately about “labor” while hearing the news of our economy in a recession. We hear about job loss, pay cuts and suffering. We have also heard plenty of opinions about labor unions from all news sources and editorial columns. Seems a majority of people blame labor unions for the faltering of so many companies from airlines, car companies to grocery stores. Labor unions may certainly be one contributing factor but lets not make the mistake of not holding ALL parties involved accountable. The overall business plan of the company is the first and sole responsibility of management, plain and simple. Capital funding, marketing, expansion, generating revenues, advertising, research, design, finances and every element of the business business plan all belong in the column of managements responsibilities. If a business plan fails and the company files for bankruptcy or ceases operations, that fact alone says the business plan that management executed and put into motion, has now failed.
Sure labor unions will ask for all they can get, as they should. Management does the same thing. But lets be honest, if a weak or incompetent management team gives too much to union employees or if unions give to much themselves, they are both moving in the wrong direction. Labor Unions do not have access to and control of the companies cash or assets. Management does that. See the same is true for labor union management; they both must be fair, honest and accountable.
In Arizona our own Bashas grocery store chain recently filed for bankruptcy protection. I remember reading the article while in the barber shop. Not once that I can remember in the article did the President of the company cite one mistake in the business plan that he was responsible for. Not one! He primarily said it was the unions fault. As I understand it, the president of the company is ultimately responsible for managing the business plan and that includes employee issues and if you can not manage all of your business plan, you should not be the president of your company and your company will probably fail. His did. Sad loss for Arizona workers.
I guess I am somewhat spoiled though. I am an employee of Southwest Airlines. Eighty six percent of the 35,000 Southwest Airlines employees have a union card and I am one of them. Most of us understand the realities of the changing economic forces in effect now because our unions and our management team teach us that and we adjust with our company and economy with the intent that all shall prosper and share, and that icludes the employee and customer and share holder. It is a simple concept of unions and management getting it right most (not all) the time, and it has worked for over thirty eight years at Southwest Airlines if your looking for evidence. I look at the employees that I work with in all areas in labor at Southwest. I am proud to be a labor union member and to be working with them. I am proud of how our labor, with over 100 million customers onboard each year on Southwest flights provides an economic benefit from coast to coast in the billions of dollars to communities everywhere including a huge impact on the Phoenix economy. Five hundred and forty Southwest Airlines labor union built Boeing 737’s; being moved by labor union employees in virtually every department of our company, every day. That is why I am celebrating labor today! A good company and good unions and the Customers we love that make it all possible! Celebrating labor is certainly justified today-and I will!
Michael Broadhead
Phoenix, Arizona
Southwest Airlines union employee
Transport workers union Local 556
While listening to Sen. Ted Kennedy’s son speak at his funeral, he cited the story that he remembers his father leaving some cash on the bathroom counter of a hotel room as they were leaving. His son asked why he was leaving it there, Sen. Ted Kennedy explained to his son that cleaning rooms is back breaking work and that someone deserved a little something extra to put food on a table. That is an example of appreciating someone working in labor. I ask myself the same question: When is the last time I left a tip for housekeeping? I am ashamed to say.
We have a heard a lot lately about “labor” while hearing the news of our economy in a recession. We hear about job loss, pay cuts and suffering. We have also heard plenty of opinions about labor unions from all news sources and editorial columns. Seems a majority of people blame labor unions for the faltering of so many companies from airlines, car companies to grocery stores. Labor unions may certainly be one contributing factor but lets not make the mistake of not holding ALL parties involved accountable. The overall business plan of the company is the first and sole responsibility of management, plain and simple. Capital funding, marketing, expansion, generating revenues, advertising, research, design, finances and every element of the business business plan all belong in the column of managements responsibilities. If a business plan fails and the company files for bankruptcy or ceases operations, that fact alone says the business plan that management executed and put into motion, has now failed.
Sure labor unions will ask for all they can get, as they should. Management does the same thing. But lets be honest, if a weak or incompetent management team gives too much to union employees or if unions give to much themselves, they are both moving in the wrong direction. Labor Unions do not have access to and control of the companies cash or assets. Management does that. See the same is true for labor union management; they both must be fair, honest and accountable.
In Arizona our own Bashas grocery store chain recently filed for bankruptcy protection. I remember reading the article while in the barber shop. Not once that I can remember in the article did the President of the company cite one mistake in the business plan that he was responsible for. Not one! He primarily said it was the unions fault. As I understand it, the president of the company is ultimately responsible for managing the business plan and that includes employee issues and if you can not manage all of your business plan, you should not be the president of your company and your company will probably fail. His did. Sad loss for Arizona workers.
I guess I am somewhat spoiled though. I am an employee of Southwest Airlines. Eighty six percent of the 35,000 Southwest Airlines employees have a union card and I am one of them. Most of us understand the realities of the changing economic forces in effect now because our unions and our management team teach us that and we adjust with our company and economy with the intent that all shall prosper and share, and that icludes the employee and customer and share holder. It is a simple concept of unions and management getting it right most (not all) the time, and it has worked for over thirty eight years at Southwest Airlines if your looking for evidence. I look at the employees that I work with in all areas in labor at Southwest. I am proud to be a labor union member and to be working with them. I am proud of how our labor, with over 100 million customers onboard each year on Southwest flights provides an economic benefit from coast to coast in the billions of dollars to communities everywhere including a huge impact on the Phoenix economy. Five hundred and forty Southwest Airlines labor union built Boeing 737’s; being moved by labor union employees in virtually every department of our company, every day. That is why I am celebrating labor today! A good company and good unions and the Customers we love that make it all possible! Celebrating labor is certainly justified today-and I will!
Michael Broadhead
Phoenix, Arizona
Southwest Airlines union employee
Transport workers union Local 556
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