'Pink slip' at 82: (Political Correctness Madness gone mad!)

After 54 years working for American Airlines, Freddy Schmitt says he just wants the same thing the US Army gave him six decades ago -- an honorable discharge. Instead, the 82-year-old WWII vet was handed his walking papers after allegedly using a derogatory term for gays during a workplace bull session about "Don't Ask Don't Tell."

The fact that Schmitt was defending gay soldiers' right to serve -- "Back then, a faggot coulda saved my life" -- hasn't changed the airline's decision. Neither has his blemish-free employment record, nor the pleas of former JFK co-workers upset over the axing of their buddy known as "Papa Freddy."

Schmitt had little to say about the remark in December that got him fired last month as a ground-crew worker following a suspension and two hearings. He just wishes he could have stayed on the job until November, when he was planning to retire with a milestone under his belt. "It would look nice, going out with 55 years," Schmitt said. "After 54 years, all I want is to go out in good faith."

Nobody disputes that Schmitt -- a baggage crew chief -- used the term, or that the pugnacious Brooklyn native didn't exactly grovel with remorse when reprimanded by a supervisor. But the context should be taken into account, say Schmitt's former airline crewmates.

Under the terms of the firing, Schmitt retains his pension but loses his health benefits -- and the travel privileges his wife of 45 years, Viola, so enjoyed.

Source: www.nypost.com...

Now, this one ticks me right the hell off. I see this as the Airline using a ONE TIME infraction that was not specifically targeted at anyone particular person but from a general conversation as a means to save themselves money but not having to pay benifits he worked his whole life for! Pretty excessive.

I wonder what their previous punishments for similar activity was. The story even said the guy was remorseful.
The Airline big wigs being Big Asses in my opinion. Time to start a boycott!!!!

I just don't understand all of this protective class. They claim they want to be like everyone else but cry fowl at every opportunity they can. MAN UP-if you can!

Now, lets see what his union can do for him. I am betting a lawyer would do him better.

Think about this one. Can you imagine being terminiated from work for one sentence/statement not directed at any individual? What happens to the gays when they speak badly about straights? same things? I doubt it.

CRAZY!!!!! Seems to me like the men at the top who made this decision are full of estrogen!!!!

Anyway, I put this one in the Gen Conspiracies as I see this as something we will be seeing more and more of---Companies being able to use the little infraction to terminate your butt and screw you out of bennies!

reply to post by anon72


Its clear from this story, and the age of the gentleman, that he didn't view using the term "faggot" as a derogatory term. I remember my Grandma saying it all the time, never meaning offense or using it in an offensive way... it just wasn't considered "taboo" while she was younger so WHY CHANGE NOW. (Has anyone else noticed that elderly people often get away saying things [racist remarks] without anyone so much as blinking an eye. There is a reason for that...)

Poor guy....after all his hard work over the years he gets shafted like this?

Shameful. If his comments were malicious or homophobic I could understand, but it seems he didn't mean bad by them.

reply to post by anon72




You really think this was because of a word he used? No, come off it, you can't possibly think that.

That's an excuse.

They were looking for a reason to kick him out. He's 82 years old, and after working for fifty-four years, you know he's got retirement and a decent pension.

Unless he gets fired.

Now he's been fired.

How lucky for United Airlines!

reply to post by anon72


Don't worry about this old timer. As a former AA employee, I can assure you that he will be OK. It doesn't detail his position enough in the OP, but it looks like he may be a union employee (TWU) . They will either get him all of his retirement benefits or strike a deal to let him hang in the wind to save a younger employee. His medical has been pre-funded all of these years, so unless something has been negotiated out of recent contracts, he probably wont lose it. Flight benefits? who knows. I still have former employee benefits, but they arent worth diddly since the flights are usually full since capacity has been cut back like it has.

AA will eventually cave as long as he doesn't, is the bottom line. An age discrimination lawsuit should do the trick.

reply to post by vtcajun


well, that's refreshing to know.

See, Unions can serve a good purpose.

reply to post by anon72


Depends....did you read the OR part? often they make deals with the company to save another employee. a younger employee has more earning years, ie more union dues, left, so they might be inclined to make a deal and let this poor chap swing in the wind.