This is interesting, and something we haven’t seen too much of in the industry of late. Over the last couple of years, it seems we’ve seen more of a “fight your own battle” attitude with many union groups — for the exception of Mesaba, where all three major union groups shared resources and information in their negotiations with management.

Today the TWU, which represents the flight attendants at Southwest Airlines, issued a release that is basically a call to arms to support their fellow flight attendants at American Airlines in their protests against AMR management. The flight attendants at AMR are represented by an independent union, APFA.

“The Southwest union plans to blanket American’s executives with protest emails, it will encourage its members to sign an online petition opposing corporate greed and it will ask Southwest flight attendants to walk on informational picket lines organized by the American Airlines flight attendants’ union, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA).

“Our members are stunned and angered by the size of the stock give-aways to American’s executives,” said TWU Local 556 President Thom McDaniel. “Southwest Airlines has remained profitable throughout the very worst times in the airline industry through shared sacrifice and commitment from management and labor. The result has been growth for the airline and job security for all employees. Our executives are paid fairly and employees share in the profits of the company.

The union is asking its members to sign an online petition (the petition can be found at http://go.care2.com/9425295) and send protest emails to the top executives at American. Southwest flight attendants also are being asked to send a note to their Congressional representative urging them to support HR 1257, a bill that would provide shareholders with an advisory vote on executive compensation. The bill, sponsored by Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank is scheduled to be debated on the floor of the House of Representatives this week.

Members of TWU Local 556 will also join airport demonstrations in cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix in support of picketing members of the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA).”

Ticker: (LUV:NYSE), (AMR:NYSE)

Okay, enough of the medical drama we’ve been going through here of late at the Worldwide Headquarters. Today PlaneMom’s on demerol, and the world is just hunky-dory.

Isn’t she lucky?

Lots going on out there in Airlineland today. We’ve received a number of interesting emails today from a number of American Airline employees. It certainly appears that not only are the flight attendants holding additional protests today nationally, and the pilots are scheduled to hold their big protest at Centerport tomorrow, but there are also a number of other concerted efforts afoot. More individualized, if you will.

Thanks to the folks at PUPoff. com, who sent me an official PUPoff lanyard. While I don’t have a company badge to wear it with, I’m sure I can find something to do with it. I guess I’ll just have to make up my own official PlaneBusiness badge.

If you haven’t been over to the PUPoff site, you need to go just for this graphic.

I have to admit, the “in your face” tone of the note makes me laugh. And it makes me wonder just what the guys over on the sixth floor are thinking today.

But here’s the funny part. Below that, there is a caption that reads, “Weather Session: February 15, 2007”

Because of course, that photo is only referring to the pilots at the airline parking jets in bad weather.

Dunno. Sometimes I wonder how it is even possible to fully explain the subtle niceties that make the airline industry so unique to those who work in more mundane industries.

It’s a never-ending challenge.

Okay all you hungry PBB subscribers. The current issue is now posted here. Happy reading.

Thanks again for your patience as we worked through this most recent health issue with PlaneMom. It’s appreciated.

Hey folks. We’re in final edits. Look for the current issue of PBB to be posted in the next couple of hours. I’ll let you know when the issue is ready for subscriber perusal.

In case you’re looking for something to pique your interest this week, just a heads up. American Airlines reports its first quarter earnings on Wednesday, while Continental and Southwest will follow suit on Thursday.

American’s news will be accompanied by the Aliied Pilots Association’s Employee March on Management. Not doing anything on Wednesday? Go join in the protest that starts at APA headquarters, before making its way to Centerport. You’ll at least get some free barbecue.

Also — look for more proxy fillings from airlines to be filed this week. Translation? We’ll get to read more management compensation details.

Okay, so I’m sure you all read the article today talking about how the board of directors at Delta is going to select the new CEO at Delta.

First, I doubt that former CEO and board member Gerry Grinstein isn’t going to have a fair amount of say-so in the decision. Even though I think he would like to give the impression that he is “riding off into the sunset.”

As a result, as I see it, it is going to be one of two people. One if the airline stays in-house it will be Jim Whitehurst.

However, if the board decides it wants to go outside the current brain trust at the airline — I’d have to put my money on Richard Anderson. The former CEO of Northwest Airlines is on the new board of directors at Delta, and I think he has to be considered the external frontrunner for the job.

Okay folks.

PlaneMom is finally out of intensive care, yours truly has finally caught up on her sleep, and I am now in the process of updating last week’s issue of PlaneBusiness Banter — so readers Monday will not feel like they are reading a week-old newspaper.

🙂

But then again, subscribers can now look forward to two, two, two issues this week!

Thanks again for all the kind thoughts and words.

Look for the latest, and updated issue of PlaneBusiness Banter to be posted Monday.

Hi guys.

Won’t go into the details, but let’s just say the situation here has stabilized for the time being and at least we now know what the problem is with PlaneMom.

The PlaneBusiness M.A.S.H. unit is now going to try and get caught up on some much needed sleep.

My apologies again for the delay in posting this week.

Thanks also for all the kind emails. Yes, if nursing homes suck, I think hospitals are worse.

Those are my words to live by for today. 🙂

More later. In the meantime, good luck with the weather — wherever you are!

Hey folks. After a night of many phone calls, and little sleep, I am on my way out the door. PlaneMom is now in intensive care and PlaneDad is pretty ragged. It’s time for PlaneDaughter to step up to the plate.

This week’s issue is on the boards, but not ready for prime-time viewing as we had planned to do final edits this morning. But after talking to my Dad just a few minutes ago, I think my place right now is at the hospital.

My apologies for the delay in posting this week’s issue.

I’ll update you later when I get back.

Just an update — as of right now, we should be out tomorrow in the A.M. We’ve got an issue with PlaneMom, who was taken to the hospital tonight — but I’m anticipating that we should be able to get out and posted tomorrow with no further delays.

If this situation should change, I’ll let you guys know.

Talk to you soon!