Grizz,
I've done my time on 24/7 shift and my years in managemt - am in neither now so I've no axe to grind. Certainly the hours I did in management far exceeded the hours when on shift and yes, these did include nights, weekends and some long, long days.
Totally agree that good managers should be able, willing and be to seen to help out at times of need - they should however, focus on getting the right resources to be available at the right time. Good 2-way communication can solve a lot of problems but they have to earn the right to have this - it is not a God given. Does not sound as if yours have done this.
You are wrong in that, the vast majority of, airlines do not specify the numbers for a ramp team and nor should they as the work flexes - especially if you are handling cargo carrying aircraft - and as such, the make-up of the team should be flexible.
I have a lot of respect and sympathy for ramp teams - especially at this time of year; it can be a thankless grind that no-one ever sees the positives, you receive very few thanks and get the vocals when things go wrong. But thereis no excuse for not taking safety before OTP - ever.
Lastly, on the cones and process.
How many of the guys and gals ever thing of the number of turnrounds they will have to complete to pay for the damage caused when someone smacks a plane? The lack of cones, the short cut that has worked so many times before, that little bit of speed that gets you there 3 seconds earlier etc.
And no, insurance does not 'cover' it; a lot is uninsured (just like the excess on your car polict - except bigger) and if it is insured thay come and bite you in the b*m with their premiums - just like if you have a few prangs in your car.
You sound incredibly frustrated; put a positive spin on this and be rational when you talk to your managers - sensible questions asked calmly and without fury and emotion are much harder to avoid.
keep the faith!
GH