nightfreight

Jakal,

Unlike you that probably takes his crew meals home, I have my post 60 health care taken care of. I don't want or need VEBA. I'd rather spend my 500 bucks a year on a bar tab than funding fools that can't take care of their post retirement medical needs.

fdx727pilot

It's nice to see someone else bring some accurate info and actual facts to the discussion. Get ready for the upcoming wave of denial and self-delusional replies.

Laughing_Jakal

Purchasing a medigap coverage plan is not foolish, nor does the need to have one indicate poor planning. Though I did not retire from the military, I was in the military thru the development of tricare and the subsequent lawsuits....I believe, that after age 65 you are then put off onto Medicare. You would still need some sort of supplemental insurance.

Your blanket statements and sweeping generalizations really indicate a lack of knowledge of the subject....it could turn out that you are the fool. For the record....I eat my meals, unfortunately, so I will die a slow Scooby Snack death.

By the way, do you know me? you said "unlike you......I have my post 60 health care taken care of." Are you that well versed in my financial situation, my retirement plan and my estate planning package? Perhaps, we could arrange a meeting with my attorney and my financial advisor and you could show them the error of our due diligence. Suddenly I am a little concerned because of your instant assessment and your savvy at determining someone's financial well-being, I am concerned that the pre-paid college programs and the 529 plans I have invested for my children are insufficient. Now I'll be up late worrying.

Be careful about normalizing everyone else's situation to yourself. There may be a group of people a whole lot smarter than you out there, or maybe they're just smarter and have invested properly and know how to use a good mix of financial tools and vehicles. Just because you haven't thought of it or don't see the need, doesn't mean it is invalid. Remember, most times it's easier to recognize a good idea than come up with one yourself.

Perhaps I could benefit from your planning ability that will lock-in the cost of healthcare when you are medicare eligible. Again, VEBA is for your post 65 retirement needs...HRA was for 60 to 65.

Sarcasm light off now....seriously, you said that unlike the fools who don't plan, your costs are taken care of. Would you mind sharing the information with your bretheren that might help them prepare? I'm assuming it doesn't cost anything, or is significanty cheaper than VEBA.

No kidding....share it....Also share it with our R&I guys.

FDXLAG

Wow funded by the company, what a unique idea. Good thing they had that extra 30 million they weren't going to give to us but said OK to the HRA.

LJ nothing you said is wrong but, if they knew that age 60 was going to change why didn't they think to include a give back if the over 53 mooches decided to stay till 65. Think how good that very smart over 65 VEBA would be if it had an extra 10 million in the fund.

Laughing_Jakal

I got no argument with you there brother! Like I said....I think that HRA debit card ought to buy me a Ruth Chris steak from the over 60 F/O that I fly with.....It's like taking a parting gift and then sticking around for the afterparty.

Toccata

Ah yes, the scope money. Money that would have been made by FedEx pilots if not for the additional wet leases. Money that is given to the Union, to distribute to the pilots "...in a manner identified by the Association".

I'm trying to remember how I voted on that whole scope payout issue.

You are correct that the Union helped fund it - but it was your money they used to do so. Without asking.

mrzog2138

I am fine with the PRP being funded by the VEBA and the contributions to the plan. My contention is the $25,000 contribution to the HRA for a select group of pilots. It is unfair.

Laughing_Jakal

Mr. Zog.....we are in almost violent agreement.

I do not think the $25000 was "unfair" since the idea was that every time a contract was renewed, the "next" group of almost old guys got it (indexed for inflation of course)....and THEN.....(and this is the important part)

THEY FRIKKING RETIRED when they turned 60! The idea was to help them in retirement to pay for health care coverage before they were medicare eligible.

Deciding to plumb after 60, may be, like having children, a personal decision, but to stay after 60 and take that money is tantamount to theft in my opinion.

There should have been some provision that did not allow a retirement benefit to those who don't retire.....and a delayed benefit to those who delay retirement....

At this point though, it is water under the bridge.

HIFLYR

It could be fixed by the MEC with a simple side letter to contract, LOA. If they want the 25000 then retire, if not put it back in the fund so it will last longer for the rest of us.

Laughing_Jakal

I'd have no problem with that