Wait, let me get this straight. Hawker-Beechcraft filed for bankruptcy protection a month or two ago, presumably because the company is bleeding cash faster than the Fed (and unlike the Fed, can't just print more...). Now, the same "management" that was in place then is asking for performance bonuses that may total up to 200% annual salary for execs and managers to retain "top talent"?! I'm sorry, but what exactly have they performed, beyond apparently running a company into the ground?That is an outrage, and the city of Wichita would do well to instate taxes like New York City did in 2008/2009 to tax the living daylights out of any bonuses paid to that management crowd. Considering that Hawker execs have precipitated quite a few rounds of layoffs recently, this is a direct slap in the face for all those laid off as well as a warning to all current employees.
With that in mind, any bonuses paid should start at the bottom of payroll. I assume they're all performing well, considering that they're still showing up to work daily despite being uncertain if they'll even have a job tomorrow. In fact, start at the list of people who've been laid off. Send them all a check for 2x their last year's salary. Then continue on to current employees. Send them a check now for twice their annual salary as well. Do the same for the low-level managers. Mid-level managers are entitled to up to 150% their annual salary as incentive to not let their bosses screw them over. But moving into top-level managers, max of 100% of salary. And I'd be loath to send anything to the executives at the top who made all the decisions leading to the demise to begin with. If they want to jump ship, so be it. They obviously haven't been doing a great job anyway, so I'm sure there's plenty more actual talent out there who can properly run a company.
As an aspiring pilot, I will be forced to take my flying business elsewhere if these bonuses are approved for the management but not for employees and I will encourage any and everyone I meet to do the same as well. This is an egregious affront on American workers in Wichita and all throughout the Hawker-Beechcraft supply chain. The elected representatives in Kansas should lend their voice to the cause of the American workers as well.
With that in mind, any bonuses paid should start at the bottom of payroll. I assume they're all performing well, considering that they're still showing up to work daily despite being uncertain if they'll even have a job tomorrow. In fact, start at the list of people who've been laid off. Send them all a check for 2x their last year's salary. Then continue on to current employees. Send them a check now for twice their annual salary as well. Do the same for the low-level managers. Mid-level managers are entitled to up to 150% their annual salary as incentive to not let their bosses screw them over. But moving into top-level managers, max of 100% of salary. And I'd be loath to send anything to the executives at the top who made all the decisions leading to the demise to begin with. If they want to jump ship, so be it. They obviously haven't been doing a great job anyway, so I'm sure there's plenty more actual talent out there who can properly run a company.
As an aspiring pilot, I will be forced to take my flying business elsewhere if these bonuses are approved for the management but not for employees and I will encourage any and everyone I meet to do the same as well. This is an egregious affront on American workers in Wichita and all throughout the Hawker-Beechcraft supply chain. The elected representatives in Kansas should lend their voice to the cause of the American workers as well.
