If any of you watched the AFL-CIO debate with the Democratic candidates for President last night, you know that the most riveting part of the hour and a half came not from a candidate, but from a disabled retired steel worker, who used to work for a now bankrupt steel company. He has seen his pension shredded, and as he said, he cannot now afford health insurance for his wife of 36 years. The two of them can barely afford insurance for him. Steve Skvara stood in line, with the help of arm braces, to ask the candidates a question. What’s wrong with America and what will you do to change it?
His comments hit directly on the issue of companies wiping out employee pensions and retiree healthcare benefits in bankruptcy, disproportionate CEO pay versus that of employees, and other such issues that also loom huge in this industry.
One of our airline buds dropped us a note tonight, noting that he was shocked to hear a Republican candidate for the Presidency pick up Mr. Skvara’s reasoning on an appearance on “Hardball” tonight. But of more interest to those of us in the airline industry — it’s the first time I’ve heard any Presidential candidate mention the airline industry in any direct way. And his comments were not kind.
The candidate? Mike Huckabee.
The youtube clip is here.
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