(VIDEO) American Airlines Flight Attendant Mocks Airline: Funny or Grounds for Firing?
EmailFunny or grounds for firing? That’s the question Gailen David, an American Airlines flight attendant who posted a series of videos mocking his employer, is posing on Facebook.
“Be sure to comment about whether I should be fired or not for the Aluminum Lady!” he posted this morning.
His latest video, just released, takes aim at American Airlines CEO Tom Horton. Posing as “Jim” in a Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker parody, the “sermon” is claimed to be from a just-released letter to American Airlines employees.
David told ABCNews.com he used the videos to strike out at management. In one video he reads a letter from the airline to its flight attendants. He called the letter “totally insincere” and said, “When I saw all the people they’re hurting, I thought I had to do something.”
According to David, some of his colleagues have been furloughed three and four times. “They get called back and when American is done with them, they just throw them back on the street. It’s inhumane,” he said.
The “Aluminum Lady” video series features David posing as the “Minister of Flight Attendants.” In one video, the parodied executive, referring to American Airlines employees, says, “United Airlines is offering their flight attendants a $65,000 cash buyout to go ahead and leave, and they’re also giving them 15 years of travel. I say that we make things so unbearable that they’re going to thank us when we hand them five years of free travel and a year’s supply of premium Chex Mix from first class.”
The video pokes fun at an airline in distress. American Airlines’ parent company, AMR Corp., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Nov. 29, 2011. In more bad news for the airline, it announced Wednesday that it posted a $1.1 billion loss in the fourth quarter.
In an emailed statement to ABCNews.com, American Airlines spokesman Bruce Hicks said, “”We have never said we have any intention of firing Mr. David. We want to discuss Mr. David’s situation with him in-person as our contract with the APFA stipulates. So far he has been unavailable to do so. While we recognize our employees’ right to express their viewpoints, everyone at American Airlines is expected to treat one another with respect. We look forward to discussing these matters when he returns to work and is certified as ready to fly.”
David’s blog, dearskysteward.com, says he’s been an American Airlines flight attendant for more than 20 years. He told ABCNews.com he’s been on voluntary leave for the past two years.
Will he ever go back? “I think I’m going to go back,” he said. “I think I’d have a ball.”
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Mr David has courage to stand up to corporate greed. Kudo’s to him.
Posted by: Joel P Dietz Jr | February 16, 2012, 11:55 am 11:55 am
Gailen has provided AA employees with much needed laughter. His videos provide an outlet for the anger and frustration we are feeling. This benefits us, the company, and our passengers in that we are much less likely to vent, even inadvertently, at work. AA management’s inability to see the larger picture is, in my opinion, a prime reason we are now in bankruptcy.
Posted by: tara | February 16, 2012, 12:08 pm 12:08 pm
Are you kidding me? American already has huge issued to address and they are worried about a hilarious flight attendant who is trying to have a fun. Clearly, they feel guilty about something.. otherwise why would they care. If they fire him they will need an excellent PR agent. I hope I get this fun flight attendant on my next flight.
Posted by: Cindy | February 16, 2012, 12:09 pm 12:09 pm
“While we recognize our employees’ right to express their viewpoints, everyone at American Airlines is expected to treat one another with respect.” Unless the company actually has an employee with the title Minister of Flight Attendants, this company statement makes no sense. The videos are hysterical.
Posted by: Michelle | February 16, 2012, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
I will like to see an interview with Mr. Gaile David. I think that is time for an employee to stand up and express what’s really is going on. Corporate GREED, No MORE… He should be able to keep his JOB as the same way executives kept their bonuses… Fair enough.
Posted by: Elizabeth | February 16, 2012, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
Mr. David is actually saying what the majority of the flight attendants feel. This company has acted like the playground bully to it’s employees for far too long and been allowed to get away with by dangling the “furlough” carrot over peoples heads for years and years. I applaud him. People should not be used as “seasonal” employees on a permanent basis.
Posted by: Kathy Stewart | February 16, 2012, 12:12 pm 12:12 pm
After the devastation of AAs announcement of filing bankruptcy as well as the term sheet the published listing the decimation of our union contract, Gailen David turned our tears and anxiety into moments of laughter. The ridiculousness of what our company has done to a once strong, well liked airline, has left all of it’s employees with a large window of uncertainty about our futures. To be able to call out the management of our company and its insincerity towards its employees is nothing short of genius. Gailen’s talent, while frown upon by management, gives us all a voice during a time that the company would like us to be silent. He is exercising his first amendment rights to throw back the words that upper management would like us to accept as fact when we all know that those facts are only as honest and sincere as the people saying them. If our corporation doesn’t want to be mocked, it should have took the steps necessary to keep our company out of bankruptcy. Gailen’s fight as become our fight against the injustice of corporate greed and the companies attempt to break our spirits as the first responders of the sky.
Posted by: Jennifer K | February 16, 2012, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
In August 2011, the the National Labor Relations Board released a report on the outcome of 14 cases involving employees’ use of social media. They also issued the first decision of its kind — finding that terminating employees for using social media to express concerns about the workplace violated the National Labor Relations Act.
Posted by: David | February 16, 2012, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
AMR is just another GREEDY Corporation taking from the employees while rewarding the executives with millions in bonuses all while the Company losses Billions…. How does that make sense??? Great video!
Posted by: Chiklet | February 16, 2012, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
In a word FUNNY! – lighten up AA!
Posted by: Stephanie | February 16, 2012, 12:24 pm 12:24 pm
You know, bk is a very difficult thing to go thru. What Gallen is doing is GREAT! You have to find an outlet. Laughter can get you thru the worst of times. He definately doesn’t deserve to be fired. And don’t forget the 1st amendment.
Posted by: Sam Myers | February 16, 2012, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
So American Airlines top management can purchase a London Townhouse but if an employee mocks them – they may be fired? Shame on American.
Posted by: Ginger | February 16, 2012, 12:25 pm 12:25 pm
We are able to keep our smiles in the cabin because Gailen, thru his videos, has helped us to laugh when we wanted to cry our eyes out. It’s unbelievable what you have done for morale on the line…thank you Aluminum Lady for risking so much to cheer us up…wearing my pearls on board in your honor today!!!✈
AA Flight Attendant, 25 years
Posted by: livingonramen | February 16, 2012, 12:27 pm 12:27 pm
Gailen was simply “stating what had already been annnounced by the airline.” Precise , accurate , and clear. Brilliant !
Posted by: Robet | February 16, 2012, 12:35 pm 12:35 pm
for years the Flight Attendants at American Airlines have been treated with little respect and they expect absolute loyalty when they fund their own SERP after having the entire work force take huge pay cuts and work rule changes, then arrange for a stock option bonus in the years since? Even if they didn’t cash them out, just the fact that they did this act alone creates indignation among their work force. I flew many 16 hour days with 8 hour gate arrival to gate departure layovers for AA so they could get their bonus. My laurels to Mr. David. The very executive you portray couldn’t fly some of the days i’ve flown at AA…her Ferragamo pumps wouldn’t hold out that long.
Posted by: julia | February 16, 2012, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
So I wonder if Obama sends the secret service out every time SNL does a skit about him?? I think Gailen is just using his creative talents for the good of his co-workers!! I don’t see the crime in that AT ALL!
Posted by: Mike | February 16, 2012, 12:45 pm 12:45 pm
The Alumiminum Lady merely interpreted the Actual letter AA’s goon delivered!..
Thank you for sharing his whit with the world! He definitely brought a little light into
Our pretty bleak one at AA right now! God bless you Aluminum Lady!
AA Flight Attendant, 27 years
Posted by: Sdbfly | February 16, 2012, 12:48 pm 12:48 pm
I love how Bruce Hicks throws the word respect around like it actually means something. AA has not shown any respect for their employees for years. They make millions while the employees take major cuts across the board then get their feelings hurt when a flight attendant makes fun of the situation. REALLY? If they want to be respected maybe they should try to respect…. Kind of seems like a no brainer.
Posted by: Ken | February 16, 2012, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
We all need folk heroes…David fills that position and with humor… he should NOT be harrased, pursecuted or fired! American Airlines surely has bigger problems…focus American!
Posted by: Cindy | February 16, 2012, 1:30 pm 1:30 pm
For the love of Aluminum Lady, AA…you need to untwist your panties! The Minister of Flight Attendants needs to learn to laugh at herself!
Gailen, we are behind you all the way!
Posted by: Michelle | February 16, 2012, 1:42 pm 1:42 pm
His videos are awesome! He’s simply giving the management team that has destroyed this company all the respect they deserve: NONE!
Posted by: Kevin | February 16, 2012, 2:01 pm 2:01 pm
You say Airline in distress, . I say airline employees in distress, management taking the easy way out..Mr. David is doing what’s right, denouncing the two faced lying scum that are the airline managers. And, as has already been stated.. they know they are insincere and are making an issue of this because they are caught! Good for you you Gailen, Keep up the excellent work!!
Posted by: Colby L | February 16, 2012, 2:10 pm 2:10 pm
So entertaining! Keep the videos coming. AA should find a way to use Mr. David’s talents. AA could use some creativity and forward thinking!
Posted by: Suzanne | February 16, 2012, 2:22 pm 2:22 pm
Love the sense of humor of Mr. David. It is my understanding that he was reading a letter from his employer. So what if the fuss about it?
Posted by: Ryan Jay | February 16, 2012, 2:45 pm 2:45 pm
AA is acting like an AAS. Quit the strong-arming and threats. The flight attendant is not threatening you, he’s making fun. Since when is satire illegal?
Posted by: Patricia Boyne | February 16, 2012, 3:07 pm 3:07 pm
Really? Disciplinary action up to including termination for Gailen’s right of freedom of speech? Give me a break. C’mon American, LOL! You certainly wouldn’t hear of any tomfoolery or malicious threats over at SWA. Besides, doesn’t management have bigger things to do? Like running an airline? smh
Posted by: Michael Garza | February 16, 2012, 3:52 pm 3:52 pm
Congratulations Mr David. Well done. About time, someone communicate the message from another point of view.
Posted by: Robert | February 16, 2012, 7:20 pm 7:20 pm
Bravo to Mr. David. I’d love to see a GMA Interview!!
Posted by: Kelly g | February 16, 2012, 10:26 pm 10:26 pm
No laughing allowed at American Airlines – this guy is creative and funny – AA needs to relax and let their employees have fun – maybe that alone will turn the airline around -
Posted by: Kari | February 17, 2012, 2:07 am 2:07 am
Sir David Gailen – I salute and applaud you in the guise of the common man who agrees with you, along with most others – most definitely…
Posted by: Steve | February 17, 2012, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
Under no circumstances should Gailen lose his job over parodying a very difficult situation for all the employees of American Airlines! He has very successfully been able to make nearly everyone feel a moment of light-heartedness through this process. People are going to lose their jobs, their livelihoods, their source of income for their family… they deserve a moment of laughter – esp at the expense of the very company who is inflicting this hardhip!! GO GAILEN!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!
Posted by: Debbie L | February 20, 2012, 2:12 pm 2:12 pm
If AMR is allowed to dump 130,000 employees pensions and medical costs on the American Taxpayer, a flight attendant with a view of reality from the inside should be the least of their worries. It’s time the press and media dig deeper into all the corporate greed in this country and start holding these companies accountable for their blatant misuse of bad business decisions to ditch their responsibilities to their employees and our economy.
Posted by: American Taxpayer | February 20, 2012, 6:51 pm 6:51 pm
I would love to see Gailen sue the hell out of AA. These people are a******s. They still think George W. Bush is president. They need to get the stick this time instead of us.
Posted by: JWC | February 20, 2012, 7:36 pm 7:36 pm
It’s about time someone stood up and speaks out about the corporate greed at American and at other corporations across this country. I would love to see an interview with Mr. David!, I admire his courage!
Posted by: Tracy | March 17, 2012, 10:54 am 10:54 am