Who's protecting them at non-union companies? I've worked for two major airlines, Delta and the one I work for now. (Hint: They are NOT based in the NORTHEAST part of the country, but in the OPPOSITE direction) Delta mechanics are non-union. Where I am now is unionized. Let me tell you right now, I can't see a bit of difference. The ratio of slackers/deadbeats to productive workers at both companies is exactly the same. There was no more effort made to get rid of them at Delta than at any of the unionized airlines. There are guys at Delta who were hired 25 years ago and haven't hit a lick since the day they were hired, and the mangers there knew it was going on. I like the job, but it was frustrating.
Regardless of whether a company is organized or not, a lot supervisors protect their pets and their fishing buddies and most of those in upper management don't have a clue it's going on. But let's say you do fire them. You'll probably end with a replacement who's as bad or worse. This goes on everywhere and it's because this country has lost the work ethic that made it great.
And because it IS a work ethic problem, this isn't an anti-union or pro-union rant. I'm really too old to fight those battles. I'm just talking from over 20 years of experience in the airlines, and over 35 years as a mechanic overall.
