JetBlue flight attendant is the new workplace hero

(photo credit: Facebook/Splash News)
 

The Internet is abuzz today with the story of Steven Slater, a JetBlueflight attendant who was fed up with his job.

For the most part, he is considered a hero, the guy who did what many of us worker-bees want to do but stifle ourselves from doing -- quitting on the spot with a grandiose gesture. My Facebook friends had posted the storylast night and the swift reaction surprised me somewhat. From the moment the news broke, the public was cheering this guy on.

To me, it shows there's lots of discontent in the workplace.

The full story is that Slater, a flight attendant, apparently totally lost control following an argument with a passenger.

Slater was working on a flight from Pittsburgh that had landed at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, when he was hit on the head by a bag a passenger was pulling out early from an overhead compartment.

According to the New York Daily News, words were exchanged and Slater's reaction was to blow his top. He spewed profanity at stunned passengers, grabbed a beer and activated the plane's emergency slide, then bolted off the plane. Another flight attendant said Slater's actions are something others only fantasize about but are too chicken to carry out.

Slater was reportedly smiling when police led him away in handcuffs and when he was later charged with reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

To me, it sounds like Salter broke some safety rules and really could serve some jail time. I have a feeling though, he'd say it was worth it. He made a stand. I all of us can relate to exactly where Slater was coming from. 

A radio talk show I listened to this morning was flooded with phone calls from people who complained about their workplaces and applauded the fed-up flight attendant for his dramatic exit. I suspect the recession has caused a lot of ill feelings to simmer beneath the surface.

So what do you think about Slater's behavior? Do you always have to handle your exit like a professional? Or are there times -- maybe in a lousy workplace environment - where a dramatic exit is okay?

Comments

[Andres]

I wish there was an emergency ramp thing I could bail out to.

[BondageRadio]

i love my job ilovemyjob ilovemyjob ilovemyjob ilovemyjob ilovemyjob ilovemyjob ilovemyjobilovemyjobilovemyjob...

F#!K-IT! ... Emergency pull handle!

* EJECT EJECT EJECT *

Yeah... I can relate...

[Sama Chahine]

I totally understand his feelings; however the safety rules are their for everyone. He lashed out and potentially endangered children or bystanders who would have had nothing to do with this situation. How proud would he have felt then? If he was smart and rational, instead of reacting overly emotional; maybe he could have sued for being hit or pressed charges himself, instead of now facing 3 felonies.

[Cindy Goodman]

You are right. Maybe a real workplace hero is someone who keeps his cool and makes his point without the drama.

[Reid McComment]

OMG,did you see this? They are making this guy into a hero, but this is really scary. What if the pilot had a meltdown? Check this story out

http://bit.ly/90ZRqe