View Poll Results: Who would You Vote for Vice Chairman?
Tom M
126
89.36%
Wes R
15
10.64%
Voters: 141. You may not vote on this poll
FDX Who would You like for Vice-chair?
04-17-2009, 04:24 PM
#41
Line Holder
Joined APC: Apr 2009
Posts: 30
Wow!! You must have missed the day of leadership training when they discussed tact. Dale Carnegie wrote a book about 70 years ago you may want to browse, "How to Win Friends and Influence People."
I'm not really sure about this...Was our CEO an officer of a corporation prior to FDX? What about Steve Jobs prior to Apple?
I'm not sure how much experience they had that qualified them for their new jobs. But, I do know one thing...They had new ideas! Maybe, we could use a little of that?
I'm not really sure about this...Was our CEO an officer of a corporation prior to FDX? What about Steve Jobs prior to Apple?
I'm not sure how much experience they had that qualified them for their new jobs. But, I do know one thing...They had new ideas! Maybe, we could use a little of that?
04-17-2009, 04:50 PM
#42
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Posts: 170
I guess I am dense, because I just don't see how you can say that someone has no leadership qualities just because he's "never been an officer, never been an elected block rep, never even been a committee chair."
Sounds like a plus to me.
Perhaps because he has "never been an officer, never been an elected block rep, never even been a committee chair" he will bring a fresh point of view and new ideas that will work well with the changes the crew force desires. I like the idea that some of these guys did volunteer work at the union, so they have an idea on how things work, but also were out there on the front lines. It is hard to get a feel for the crew force from Kirby Parkway. ("It will go senior.") You actually have to sit on a crew bus and fly the line.
If your campaigns and qualities are so weak you need to bash on the other guys, it is time to step back and take the higher road.
Sounds like a plus to me.
Perhaps because he has "never been an officer, never been an elected block rep, never even been a committee chair" he will bring a fresh point of view and new ideas that will work well with the changes the crew force desires. I like the idea that some of these guys did volunteer work at the union, so they have an idea on how things work, but also were out there on the front lines. It is hard to get a feel for the crew force from Kirby Parkway. ("It will go senior.") You actually have to sit on a crew bus and fly the line.
If your campaigns and qualities are so weak you need to bash on the other guys, it is time to step back and take the higher road.
04-17-2009, 04:51 PM
#43
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 8,047
I didn't write the by-laws or constitution, all I'm do is point out what they are, how they work regardless of who is in charge, and why expecting things go differently with any future ratified and endorsed LOA or TA is the very definition of insanity. It's not a mentality, it's the rules of the political game that we are all playing whether we like it or not. You like spending your time howling about change in other venues, then attempt to introduce a resolution to change the way such things are presented to the crewforce: when a pro/con statement is required, what must be presented at roadshows and via other communications, requiring the officers votes to be published on any LOA/TA as well as any endorsement vote, etc. Otherwise, you're banking that on strong-willed personalities like our NC that work to keep such things away from a MEC or a membership vote. By and large from what I've seen, the MEC's that have been considered successful, all tend to maneuver in this manner.
04-17-2009, 05:00 PM
#45
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Position: MD-11 Captain
Posts: 4,304
During my time as communication chairman and then MEC Secretary/Treasurer we went to 98% membership, got our first contract, took our first strike vote, built up almost 9 million in cash reserves, grew our budget from 3 million a year to 14 million a year and transitioned to ALPA.
Tony ... I'm REALLY surprised that no one else has commented:
Wow ... many of the above items that you seem to be claiming credit for were, to the best of my recollection, the result of the FPA (and you) NOT being responsive to membership/contract problems.
- I seem to recall the massive membership increase being the result of a VERY ANGRY memberships' response to the optimizer? Please tell me specifically what the FPA did to increase membership! Maybe it was the tremendously successful parking lot negotiating tactics? You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- I seem to recall that the first contract (that you seem to be taking credit for after 2 TA"s that were voted down?) was dictated to the FPA by the company after the highly successful parking lot deal? We were handed a take it or leave it TA, we took it as we had no choice, thanks FPA. You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- Took our first strike vote? I seem to remember that in an effort to show the company how powerful and unified our membership was, that the FPA MEC decided it was best NOT TO EVEN COUNT AND REPORT THE RESULTS OF THE STRIKE BALLOT! You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- Transitioned to ALPA? Maybe because the FPA was such a HUGE disaster that our traditionally cheap pilot membership decided to pay MUCH HIGHER dues to bring ALPA back on the property! You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
Tony ... I'm unhappy with the current union leadership. I have heartburn with many of the things that have happened during their tenure but they are MUCH BETTER THAN the FPA folk. If this is the "meat" on which you claim to be the best qualified candidate, will you please withdraw your name from consideration? You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
Tony ... please correct me if I'm wrong (I know you will), but wasn't all this 4.a.2.b nonsense, legacy language left over from your tenure in the FPA. You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
Last edited by MaydayMark; 04-17-2009 at 05:22 PM. Reason: spelling police
04-17-2009, 05:14 PM
#46
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2009
Position: who knows
Posts: 28
Tony ... I'm REALLY surprised that no one else has commented:
Wow ... many of the above items that you seem to be claiming credit for were, to the best of my recollection, the result of the FPA (and you) NOT being responsive to membership/contract problems.
- I seem to recall the massive membership increase being the result of a VERY ANGRY memberships' response to the optimizer? Please tell me specifically what the FPA did to increase membership! Maybe it was the tremendously successful parking lot negotiating tactics? You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- I seem to recall that the first contract (that you seem to be taking credit for after 2 TA"s that were voted down?) was dictated to the FPA by the company after the highly successful parking lot deal? We were handed a take it or leave it TA, we took it as we had no choice, thanks FPA. You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- Took our first strike vote? I seem to remember that in an effort to show the company how powerful and unified our membership was, that the FPA MEC decided it was best NOT TO EVEN COUNT AND REPORT THE RESULTS OF THE STRIKE BALLOT! You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- Transitioned to ALPA? Maybe because the FPA was such a HUGE disaster that our traditionally cheap pilot membership decided to pay MUCH HIGHER dues to bring ALPA back on the property! You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
Tony ... I'm unhappy with the current union leadership. I have heartburn with many of the thing that have happened during their tenure but they are MUCH BETTER THAN the FPA folk. If this is the "meat" on which you claim to be the best qualified candidate, will you please withdraw your name from consideration? You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
Wow ... many of the above items that you seem to be claiming credit for were, to the best of my recollection, the result of the FPA (and you) NOT being responsive to membership/contract problems.
- I seem to recall the massive membership increase being the result of a VERY ANGRY memberships' response to the optimizer? Please tell me specifically what the FPA did to increase membership! Maybe it was the tremendously successful parking lot negotiating tactics? You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- I seem to recall that the first contract (that you seem to be taking credit for after 2 TA"s that were voted down?) was dictated to the FPA by the company after the highly successful parking lot deal? We were handed a take it or leave it TA, we took it as we had no choice, thanks FPA. You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- Took our first strike vote? I seem to remember that in an effort to show the company how powerful and unified our membership was, that the FPA MEC decided it was best NOT TO EVEN COUNT AND REPORT THE RESULTS OF THE STRIKE BALLOT! You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
- Transitioned to ALPA? Maybe because the FPA was such a HUGE disaster that our traditionally cheap pilot membership decided to pay MUCH HIGHER dues to bring ALPA back on the property! You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
Tony ... I'm unhappy with the current union leadership. I have heartburn with many of the thing that have happened during their tenure but they are MUCH BETTER THAN the FPA folk. If this is the "meat" on which you claim to be the best qualified candidate, will you please withdraw your name from consideration? You MUST BE KIDDING ME?
SHACK....DOUBLE SHACK. TH are you there?? Tony?
04-17-2009, 06:08 PM
#47
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2008
Position: Continuing The Dream
Posts: 161
Well folks -
I haven't had an elected representative job in the union. I haven't been the chairman of any committees. When the LA domicile opened, I was asked to step up and participate as a line builder and pairing reviewer. There wasn't any extra cash - I bid lines on the 4th and 5th pages of the bid-pack when I could have been bidding on the front page (in ANC), and I was held accountable for every minute of trip value that the union bought when there was a conflict. There aren't any freebies. It's called volunteer work for a reason.
Because I felt so strongly about issues - I wrote letters to the FAA asking for an interpretation on our RFO utilization and legality. Their response to me has been published and happens to be available in our Enforcement office. My support was from the crews - my friends - that continue to be brutalized by this scheduling debacle. I researched ACARS data that resulted in the elimination of early pick-ups and airport standbys. I continue to voice my opinions perhaps too publicly sometimes - but there are no surprises.
If [we] bring in an unknown, there certainly are concerns about loyalties, agendas and capabilities. Every crew member at FedEx Express has a 4 year degree from an accredited college or university. My undergraduate degree is in accounting - my graduate degree in Management and Personnel Administration. I stepped up because I'm tired of the erosion we're seeing in our CBA. I haven't heard anybody say NO! I'm not interested in another LOA, and I believe in my heart that with 4,600 crew members supporting the MEC, the NC, and communicating with their LEC Reps - we can move forward successfully and get the CBA we want and deserve.
Are the other candidates good guys? You bet! I know TM - he's a class guy, and I think he'd provide the crew force with excellent leadership. I know TH - we cross pathes periodically in PHX during commutes. Also a class act. I communicate frequently with the MEC, and it's not unusual for me to discuss issues with WR - and my thanks are to him for stepping up and taking a number of shots - some unwarranted - from us. I'm an unknown, though. I've been based in ANC since 1999 except for 6 months in LA. I've researched and presented issues that have HELPED the crew force.
What I will tell you all here is - you will see me - you will hear me - you will know me. When I'm in Memphis - there's NO reason I shouldn't be in the hub frequently to listen, answer questions, and maybe even say 'No - we can't do that', if appropriate.
Express your support or displeasure as appropriate. Regardless of 'baggage', the new MEC will need all our support.
I haven't had an elected representative job in the union. I haven't been the chairman of any committees. When the LA domicile opened, I was asked to step up and participate as a line builder and pairing reviewer. There wasn't any extra cash - I bid lines on the 4th and 5th pages of the bid-pack when I could have been bidding on the front page (in ANC), and I was held accountable for every minute of trip value that the union bought when there was a conflict. There aren't any freebies. It's called volunteer work for a reason.
Because I felt so strongly about issues - I wrote letters to the FAA asking for an interpretation on our RFO utilization and legality. Their response to me has been published and happens to be available in our Enforcement office. My support was from the crews - my friends - that continue to be brutalized by this scheduling debacle. I researched ACARS data that resulted in the elimination of early pick-ups and airport standbys. I continue to voice my opinions perhaps too publicly sometimes - but there are no surprises.
If [we] bring in an unknown, there certainly are concerns about loyalties, agendas and capabilities. Every crew member at FedEx Express has a 4 year degree from an accredited college or university. My undergraduate degree is in accounting - my graduate degree in Management and Personnel Administration. I stepped up because I'm tired of the erosion we're seeing in our CBA. I haven't heard anybody say NO! I'm not interested in another LOA, and I believe in my heart that with 4,600 crew members supporting the MEC, the NC, and communicating with their LEC Reps - we can move forward successfully and get the CBA we want and deserve.
Are the other candidates good guys? You bet! I know TM - he's a class guy, and I think he'd provide the crew force with excellent leadership. I know TH - we cross pathes periodically in PHX during commutes. Also a class act. I communicate frequently with the MEC, and it's not unusual for me to discuss issues with WR - and my thanks are to him for stepping up and taking a number of shots - some unwarranted - from us. I'm an unknown, though. I've been based in ANC since 1999 except for 6 months in LA. I've researched and presented issues that have HELPED the crew force.
What I will tell you all here is - you will see me - you will hear me - you will know me. When I'm in Memphis - there's NO reason I shouldn't be in the hub frequently to listen, answer questions, and maybe even say 'No - we can't do that', if appropriate.
Express your support or displeasure as appropriate. Regardless of 'baggage', the new MEC will need all our support.
04-17-2009, 07:33 PM
#48
Gets Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Position: Nordskog Industries Field Technician
Posts: 688
D.S. I'll have you know that the 'far north flying club' is on board. (At least my small faction)
I have spoken with our LEC rep at length, hopefully there's enough support down south for you to make a run at it.
Hail Nakazawa!
I have spoken with our LEC rep at length, hopefully there's enough support down south for you to make a run at it.
Hail Nakazawa!
04-17-2009, 08:22 PM
#49
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,068
No unity was not built, but that's never been my point on this. My only point is that it's highly unrealistic to expect that any MEC to present anything other than 'why you should vote yes' on any TA sent out to the membership. The policy manual is available under the 'MEC Info' section of the ALPA site. Pages 46-47 deal specifically with TA's, but like anything you have to read the entire document to get the gist of what various people can and cannot say/do. Of course it's muddy enough to not say anything so direct as 'cram this down their throats, but look at it's application industry-wide and you can see its effect. The better MEC's simply keep the garbage TA's and LOA's from even getting to the membership(which our NC is doing a solid job of now, and management is now trying to take their case directly to us in hopes of finding a crack) The bottom line is more pilot monitoring is required of us as the system simply is not designed well for weak MEC members or a weak MC.
04-18-2009, 04:31 AM
#50
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 1,804
nakazawa,
I like what you have been saying, and realy do not have a heatburn over the MEC experience issue that some have been putting forth.
However, I have to question your commitment. It was mentioned that you are on a long draft trip and will now miss the MEC meeting in MEM. The very meeting at which you could possibly be elected.
I like what you have been saying, and realy do not have a heatburn over the MEC experience issue that some have been putting forth.
However, I have to question your commitment. It was mentioned that you are on a long draft trip and will now miss the MEC meeting in MEM. The very meeting at which you could possibly be elected.
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