I have a friend that I have known for a long time. We belong to the same church--he is three years older than my oldest--I know his parents, and grew up with his mother; they also belong to the same church. The reason for all the detailed background information is to inform you that I am speaking about a real person, one that I know to be well mannered and trust worthy.
Sam is employed by Mesaba Airlines in DTW with about two years of working experience. Sam is able to perform all the tasks that are required of him as a ramper. He is a good worker, not a troublemaker, and no attendance problems. Like any good worker he did his job without being asked or told. He bailed his mangers out from time to time; accepting late bags pushing planes, and wing walking to cover short staff situations.
Mesaba--working with the catering company—were baiting workers by leaving bags of beverages out in the open, to trap, and to give cause for termination of these employees.
One day in early November 2009, Sam saw one of these beverage bags out in the open. This bag contained not only complimentary beverages, but those for purchase. Sam picked up the bag, and brought it to his coordinator in his ready room. He requested that they call the supervisors to inform them about the finding of the beverage bag. After an hour or so had passed, Sam was escorted down to the office. He was then accused of breaking the seals himself, and stealing the food; management then informed him he was being suspended indefinitely, pending an investigation of the alleged beverage theft.
During the time since his suspension in early November 2009, Sam has not received a phone call or letter in regards to the ongoing investigation; not a phone call or letter to return to work; not a phone call or letter of termination. When he has been able to get a hold of someone at Mesaba, the person he needs to talk to never seem to be available, and none of the messages he has left have resulted in a return phone call. He is not able to collect unemployment benefits, because of the limbo that he is in. He is not working, but not terminated; he is not laid-off, but suspended.
The reason for this long story is not to rub it in Sam’s face, that with a union behind you this could not happen. I am retelling what happened to Sam to bring into sharp focus the type of company we are now employed by. The unscrupulous manner in which they deal with their employees is not just happening in ATL, CVG, MEM, SLC, or JFK; it is happening right here in DTW, right now, to people I know, and to others you may know as well.
You and I have the power to keep a situation like the one that Sam is experiencing from happening to us. Be sure you exercise that power, and vote for union representation.