This would not have happened if they used Wing Walkers. The requirement for Wing Walkers on congested aprons is outlined in the respective aircraft Maintenance Manuals. Rampies cannot access Maintenance Manuals.
If it IS the procedure in the maintenance manual, "rampies" should have understood and been conversant with the procedure in their training (assuming they had some).
A copy would have been placed in an accessible location and subject to regular revisions.
As with any vital procedure such as that involving movement of aircraft in a congested area,
LAME's are accustomed to a "checking and checking again" culture. This is a culture that comes with the experience of taking responsibility at high levels.
It's unreasonable, in my view, to thrust people without this culture into activities that require it.
You don't have to be a LAME to be a good pushback operator, and I have seen some real pros in action.. But you DO need to have a professional attitude.
True.
Though in a misguided attempt to save a few dollars, this management looked to putting lesser paid and less experienced employees into positions that they shouldn't be in without that attitude.
Yes it's true you don't have to be a LAME to do pushbacks, but the culture and attitude of a LAME sure helps.