Union Help Wanted!

[FerrisBueller]

According to the MEC chairmain for FDX ALPA, things are not going well at the negotiating table. Today, he's activeated the strategic operations center to take more direct control of the pilot-to-pilot, family awareness and strategic planning committees. What does that mean?

At what point and how many clues do I need to realize it's time to get serious about things? Here's a couple of quotes from FDX ALPA:

"Management has yet to seriously address our cornerstone issues in these negotiations and now more than ever our Negotiating Committee needs your demonstrated support and resolve"

"It is your right to hold accountable those who have control over your professional life. Are you holding management accountable for keeping up their side of the process? Two years is too long."

If you work for FDX -- is it not time? Was MOAB a cover to mask regressive/frozen pay rates? What is the rate for an A380 captain?

If you don't work for FDX -- how would you help? Do you want to pay $5500 a year in medical premiums and have lack of scope too? What about premiums for retired healthcare and pension protection?

I'm just a dude wondering what your thoughts are about this firestorm that's coming at UPS, FDX, and SWA. I think it's an industry issue.

Anyone??

 

[AlbieF15]

My negotiating committee speaks for me. This didn't happen overnight, and this is simply a warning to be ready emotionally, financially, and physically for the stress of hardball negotiations and/or work actions. Stay informed, and stay cool. Managment wants you on an emotional rollercoster. Your union wants you to handle this like business--which it is. Keep your eyes on the big picture.

 

[sluggo]

Please enlighten me a bit

"...firestorm that's coming at UPS, FDX, and SWA. I think it's an industry issue."

I know what is going at FDX & UPS...Didn't know anything about SWA?
Is the same thing going on there?

Thanks, Slug

 

[JethroF15]

As Albie said... nothing but business. Don't get emotional, stick together, support the negotiating committee and we will come out on the better side of the end deal. Expect things to get a lot worse before things get better. As long as we know it's coming and prepare mentally then, again, it's just business!

 

[FerrisBueller]

Extra work?

Did you know there was the option to not work extra at FedEx?

Draft Choice


Please select your draft choice preference...
You prefer to be called
You prefer to only be called last available
You prefer to not be called

I had no idea until someone sent this to me.

 

[New FDX Guy]

Did you know there was the option to not work extra at FedEx?

Draft Choice


Please select your draft choice preference...
You prefer to be called
You prefer to only be called last available
You prefer to not be called

I had no idea until someone sent this to me.

I didn't know that it was possible to not know that.{Seinfeld quote}

More importantly than this is the fact that you don't have to say yes when they call. It's not like other airlines. You can say no and there is no implication. As a note, even when you mark that you prefer not to be called, you will still get the rare call(mostly memphis residents). If you want, just say no.

If you have any questions about what you can legally do to help our position, just call your block rep. They'll tell you or refer you to someone who will.

Stay strong!

 

[chase]

Sluggo,

What is happening at UPS & Fedex is not happening at SWA. From what I read about FEDEX & UPS the issues and tension there is not comparable in anyway to what the current mood of the pilots or management is at SWA. I'm not being judgemental in terms of one is better than the other, just making a comment about the current "negotiation mood", at least from what I read.

Formal negotiations haven't even begun. I think it was only a reference to the fact that pilot negotiations are either underway or about to be underway at these three airlines. Additionally AirTran has been in negotiations for what I believe is 12-18 months & are working their way slowly throw issues. I believe there are some other operators who maybe slightly smaller approaching the same situation.

 

[FerrisBueller]

Money Makers

I included SWA because they are in the group of money makers and I think they just entered section 6. What kind of pay raise will SWA pilots expect given that their company continues to grow and make a profit. Is 3%/year good enough this time?

 

[chase]

FB,

The membership is communicating with their elected officials and negotiating committee on that & many other issues. There is a previously negotiated pay raise (approximately 4%) that goes into effect in Sept '06. The Southwest pilot group in the past has chosen paths that resulted in gains for both the company and the membership....many suspect & are hopeful that will occur again.

 

[FedEx1]

Just so you guys know, it really doens't matter what draft option you put in VIPS. Even if you say not to be called.... they may call. Just say no.... who cares if they call?

 

[stonewall]

Just so you guys know, it really doens't matter what draft option you put in VIPS. Even if you say not to be called.... they may call. Just say no.... who cares if they call?

And say no to advance volunteer, vacation buyback, and open time. I'm not totally on that bandwagon just yet. I won't judge another pilot...if you have a sick kid, sick parent, 5 ex-wives or whatever and really need the cash, you go ahead. But, if you don't need the cheddar and are just being greedy....check yourself for a while.

And my negotiating committee speaks for me.

 

[New FDX Guy]

Just so you guys know, it really doens't matter what draft option you put in VIPS. Even if you say not to be called.... they may call. Just say no.... who cares if they call?

What? nobody believes it if a new hire says it?

 

[CatfishVT9]

Sluggo,

Additionally AirTran has been in negotiations for what I believe is 12-18 months & are working their way slowly throw issues. I believe there are some other operators who maybe slightly smaller approaching the same situation.

No we're not. Both our Union and Management are blaming each other with nearly no progress. I think they are both right. There's been more than enough childishness on both sides to go around.

 

[VaB]

I agree with the "don't get emotional" stuff everyone is saying. There are so many angry guys running around, that it's almost scary. Alot of dudes are still pissed about the infamous "red letter".

As a side note, this big bid really has my hackles up, and I sure hope someone calls me crazy and I'm proven wrong, but... This thing is the classic "company provided" ride to the top of the emotional rollercoaster, quickly followed by a plunge to the bottom. I foresee some sort of crappy, direct to the membership, sub-standard offer. 4 or 5% pay increase (something to look good to the public) with no other improvements. When it's turned down, the results of the bid get cancelled and there is a HUGE uproar and the infighting amongst the pilots begins. For all you guys that are counting on the sweet upgrade, just keep this possiblility in mind and, if it happens, remain unemotional and let the union do their job.

Union busting 101

 

[PurpleInMEM]

Upgrades are not raises!!!

Stay in your current seats and let them put newhires in those vacancies.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I have a part-time job and I'm ready to set this barn on fire. Just waiting to hear it official-like from Dave, Wes, and company.

How much clearer does the company have to make it? They will not negotiate!

 

[FerrisBueller]

The membership is communicating with their elected officials and negotiating committee on that & many other issues. There is a previously negotiated pay raise (approximately 4%) that goes into effect in Sept '06. The Southwest pilot group in the past has chosen paths that resulted in gains for both the company and the membership....many suspect & are hopeful that will occur again.

I think FDX pilots all had those same hopes. . .but when management went around the negotiating table and 'back doored' two proposals for below inflation pay raises, the pilots didn't even vote. There were too many cornerstone issues that needed to be addressed like those stated earlier. It's too bad that customers and other employees could potentially feel the pain, but it is managements' lack of bargaining that puts the group in the position they are in. Has SW management ever sought the protection of mediated negotiations with the NMB because they couldn't figure out a way to directly negotiate with the pilot group instead of the union negotiating team? At this point, it will be a matter of principle even if they attempt another huge backdoor raise.

CPI for the first quarter was just announce and the annualize amount for '06 is 4.3 percent inflation rate. In otherwords, you guys at SW are getting nothing for your efforts while the LUV makes a profit every quarter and is growing at 8-10%. It seems to me like the prospect of quick upgrades to the left seat is affecting your pilot group too? When do the contracted pay raises end? Our last was Dec '03, so we are getting bitter as time goes on. It's been two years since contract openers.

 

[hook]

When are u guys going to see all that money ALPA got from the out of scope flying? Seems like ALPA whines about FDX hording money....arent they doing the same?