Howdy Flaps, nice put down to p.Arempi. I'm glad it came from another F/A and not F/D. I am not one of those who has much to fear from 'imaginative' F/A's. On short sectors such as AMS, GCI, JER etc., I always say that if they haven't got time then don't come in. You are right about checking up on F/D though, c'mon guys, it makes sense whether you like them or not.
On a personal note, I think that most of you do a fine job for far too little money. I don't know that I could do your job, not because I would consider it beneath me but because I just can't abide crass individuals. On the flight deck we have our fair share but we know who they are and their freedom to exercise their traits is very limited in the cockpit.
Conversely, there are two issues here. (Please don't take this the wrong way) The market pays workers commensurate with their skills not their hardships. Many of you will have been nurses in a past life and will know what I mean. In this area there is little you can do. The other issue has already been discussed and that is Union representation. This is the best way of improving your conditions.
Now I don't propose to patronise you as to why F/D enjoy better conditions than you because those of you who are hardliners, if you're honest with yourselves, will know why.
We do rely on you to ensure the safety of our passengers; we couldn't do the job without you. There's no excuses for bad CRM on the part of the F/D but you get @rseholes in all walks of life and our profession is no exception. In the face of adversity, stay professional, at least you'll still have your pride.
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Very funny, Scotty. Now beam up my clothes!