Unions.

I grew up in a union town with an employer giving 25,000 people work. I went to a unionised school with teachers willing to fight the system to try and break it. I even joined a union at 15 packing groceries after school. This is starting to sound like a John Cougar Mellencamp song. It was the done thing and no one questioned it.

I haven’t been in a union since. Not because they don’t work, just because they don’t suit everyone, especially in today’s workforce built around common objectives. How have management and unions skidded over that point? Are they always diametrically opposed?

I’m constantly reading about the airline unions at odds with their management over work and pay conditions. From Flying Kangaroos to The World’s Favourite Airline to the US airline responsible for the invention (or is that initiative) of frequent flyer, there seems to be constant pressure from both sides wanting the other to give in on all grounds that matter. John should definitely write a song about that.

Whatever happened to the middle ground? Seems no one plays in that area anymore. Unless you are the new breed of companies that treasure their workforce and still manage to get the best for your company.

Why are people breaking their necks to work at places like Google, NetApp and ETM (http://bit.ly/WrWaq)?

Seems they have it worked out. Yet what does that mean? It means understanding your people, it means working with your people on a common goal and most importantly it means respecting your people. Interestingly enough, there are only 4 travel related companies listed in the 50 Great Places to Work List. So good on you ETM, Tramada, Air New Zealand and Peregrine Adventures for treasuring your staff.

I think in the airline game, both sides have lost respect for each other and it will take a mighty effort to see, let alone find a middle ground. Who cares if that middle ground is only the fact, you both barrack for the same footy team. Start somewhere.

I wait with bated breath for BA to resolve their long running dispute with their flight attendants but fear it will only be a short term resolution.

I never hear this stuff from Richard Branson. Okay last reference to him, maybe.

So who do you work for?