Democracy Gone Astray

Democracy, being a human construct, needs to be thought of as directionality rather than an object. As such, to understand it requires not so much a description of existing structures and/or other related phenomena but a declaration of intentionality.
This blog aims at creating labeled lists of published infringements of such intentionality, of points in time where democracy strays from its intended directionality. In addition to outright infringements, this blog also collects important contemporary information and/or discussions that impact our socio-political landscape.

All the posts here were published in the electronic media – main-stream as well as fringe, and maintain links to the original texts.

[NOTE: Due to changes I haven't caught on time in the blogging software, all of the 'Original Article' links were nullified between September 11, 2012 and December 11, 2012. My apologies.]

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Air Canada Rouge hopes to capture Disney magic

Air Canada’s new discount airline Rouge is calling in the gurus of customer service: Mickey and Minnie.

Rouge has hired the training arm of Walt Disney Co. to teach all of Rouge’s flight attendants the secrets of good customer service, with the hope of bringing some of that famed Disney magic to the skies.

Or as Disney trainers like to put it — make sure people “always reach just a little higher.”

According to a memo sent to the trainees on Sunday, obtained by the Star, the first group of 150 candidates will head to Florida next month for hands-on training at the Disney Institute. They’ll hone their skills and techniques at Disney World parks in Orlando.

“We looked at several top customer service providers,” writes Annette Anand, director of Rouge’s inflight service. “(Disney) was the most comprehensive and in line with our vision for creating a very different and service-focused culture.”

The fact that Disney’s visitors include children and families plus adults of all ages helped tip the choice, given Rouge expects to draw mostly leisure travellers, heading to Europe and sun destinations, beginning in July.

As part of an agreement, Rouge flight attendants are being asked to cover a portion of the training costs. They must commit to having $49 a month deducted from their gross wages for up to three years.

If they leave within 36 months of completing the training, they will required to pay back any remaining amount owed.

“We’re making a significant investment and in asking to you to cover a small portion of the incidental cost, you’re also investing in your future,” Anand writes.

Wages at Rouge will be lower than other airlines. Flight attendants will earn $22.99 an hour with a minimum of 75 hours a month.

Rouge launches service with four planes in July, but will increase its fleet as Air Canada’s main line takes delivery of new planes including Boeing 777s and 787s. By the end of 2014, Rouge will have 32 planes and 42 aircraft by the end of 2015.

Original Article
Source: thestar.com
Author: Vanessa Lu

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