Icelandic Volcano and Capitalist Decay

[A.R.Amistad]

I just heard on the news that, since private Airlines are loosing millions of dollars a day for every day that flights are grounded due to the Icelandic Volcano explosion, some of these airlines may be looking for government support or bailouts for lost profits. I think this is ironic that when the workers suffer from natural disasters (ahem, Katrina) the worker's must largely fend for themselves, yet when nature highlights the inherent problems of private property, the tables are turned.

[pastradamus]

I just heard on the news that, since private Airlines are loosing millions of dollars a day for every day that flights are grounded due to the Icelandic Volcano explosion, some of these airlines may be looking for government support or bailouts for lost profits. I think this is ironic that when the workers suffer from natural disasters (ahem, Katrina) the worker's must largely fend for themselves, yet when nature highlights the inherent problems of private property, the tables are turned.


Yeah, very true Indeed. If you look at how many western countries have bailed out banks who simply went bust as a consequence of their own greed and not that of workers it makes one think. Im no fortuneteller but what I can see happening is Airlines asking the governments of various countries for a bailout whilst using their workers jobs as collateral. (bail us out or we'll be "forced" to sack X number of workers).

[eyedrop]

Yeah, very true Indeed. If you look at how many western countries have bailed out banks who simply went bust as a consequence of their own greed and not that of workers it makes one think. Im no fortuneteller but what I can see happening is Airlines asking the governments of various countries for a bailout whilst using their workers jobs as collateral. (bail us out or we'll be "forced" to sack X number of workers).

EU's transport-director Sim Kallas has opened up to allow EU countries to give emergency help to plane companies which has suffered financial loss on monday, so it has already started.

On the other end workers who have been kept away from work due to the ash aren't given any wages or recompensation for the work they lost.

[Dr Mindbender]

I just heard on the news that, since private Airlines are loosing millions of dollars a day for every day that flights are grounded due to the Icelandic Volcano explosion, some of these airlines may be looking for government support or bailouts for lost profits. I think this is ironic that when the workers suffer from natural disasters (ahem, Katrina) the worker's must largely fend for themselves, yet when nature highlights the inherent problems of private property, the tables are turned.

Not for a moment that i disagree with with this sentiment, but I think thats a pretty vulnerable argument to make with respect. The capitalist argument would be that the airlines are essential to the national infrastructure and the economy or in other words if a few workers have to face heightened adversity then fuck em.


Although in the first instance its probably not analogous. The airline bosses for all their wrongdoings, cant really be blamed for the volcano in the same vein that the bankers can be blamed for the financial quagmire. Id like to see the government helping to get the planes back in the air but that said id also like to see them under worker's control. Dont forget, the air crisis isnt helping workers, while the aircraft are grounded the airline staff either arent earning any money like eyedrop said or are at heightened risk of redundancy. I wouldnt like to be in their shoes during this current climate.

There was news today though that there are limited flights to and from Ireland and Scotland today which is more encouraging.