SaltyDog

FF,
This is a raw deal. Lets be clear though, It is UPS that isn't communicating to the IPA. IPA can ask all day long and UPS can say absolutely nothing. Also, I encourage you to call an EB member and ask your list of questions. They take dozens of calls and answer directly to your questions. UPS deals behind close doors, they telegraph little to no hard info. They tell the union in a news release on earnings that they are parking the DC-8. Point the frustration at the owners of the decsions. Management. We expect the IPA to be completely out in the open with our strategy and always 'transparent'. Well, tough to negotiate a furlough avoidance plan in the open if you tell UPS that you don't believe it will work so here is our public furlough plans. Kinda like buying a car and talking out loud with the better half within earshot of the salesman your bottom line on what you will accept in the deal. Have faith that the IPA will take care of our own. We always have. I don't want you in any turmoil, but UPS uses it to try and break up the union. No different than your previous companies.




You and I are the IPA. You and I are the ones to stand up for each other. Blaming anyone else is a dodge. You want info? Don't give up after one call or email. BTDT too. BTW, come and take a visit to the building if you want to see your dues at work. If you can't (fair enough), let me be your eyes, it is loaded with folks working for us and many plain out volunteering vacations and days off standing up for each other.

FR8TFLYER

Salty-

I agree, ask your questions directly to the IPA. I have called (more than once), and emailed and get no response. I have called at 10:00 am on a weekday and there was not even an EB member in the building. You as a captain and dedicated volunteer have more clout so I have no doubt they respond to you. Rather frustrating when you are thirsty for information.

I appreciate all that the volunteers do on our behalf. It is the paid personnel that disappoint me.

767pilot

here is my 2 cents,,,

1. In the meetings with the company, what exactly did the company ask for? (maybe a little transparency)

negotiations like this have ALWAYS been held in private. We'll find out what they asked for at some point and it really doesn't matter at this point what it was

2. What steps will the Union take to assist the furloughees?

Good question. You said that you have been through this before. Did you ever get anything more than lip service and perhaps some cobra? I wouldn't expect much more than that here. Just what would you like us to do? (serious question, I'm not being sarcastic)

3. When are we going to start a furlough fund?

What do you see such a fund covering? Cobra? Hardships?

4. Does the company plan on closing more sort facilities?

The IPA office will be informed of that right after the van drivers get the word. They have always been loath to let us in on their business plans.

5. Will the union help furloughees find new employment?

Good question. I am sure that they will try but as you know, there isn't a lot out there.

6. How long can furloughees expect to be on the street?

I think Rick Barr has already given a hint on that one...for a furlough to make sense they need about three years. An optimist might cut that number in half?

7. Is the company required to move Anchorage furloughees back to the lower 48?

I don't see it in the contract. Remember the wise ones that sold us the cntract saying that ANC required no special provisions? Guess maybe it did! I hope that the company does the right thing or that AK law covers people.

8. When we are fuloughed, what state do we collect unemployment from?

You collect from your state of residence who then gets reimbursed by your employers state. At least that is what it was the two times I went to the window.

9. Who is the furlough contact at the Union?

10. After the furlough is announced, what will the union do to make sure lines are not constructed over 75 hours?

You can expect no help in this area. The company will still want the lines packed and there is nothing in the contract to stop them from doing just that.

Night_Hawk

For bid 0904 the remaining DC-8 flying will be split between the 57 bases. They are evaluating for bid 0905.

navigatro

[quote=767pilot;600523]here is my 2 cents,,,


6. How long can furloughees expect to be on the street?

I think Rick Barr has already given a hint on that one...for a furlough to make sense they need about three years. An optimist might cut that number in half?
-------------------------------

The company has also said that the break even point is 18-24 months.

It all depends on the economy, since there will not be so many retirements in the next 3 1/2 years.

Although the early retirement of the 8 hurts, there is a silver lining. It takes away the option to continue after 65.

My feeling is that the company will furlough 150-200, and they will be on the street for 24 months (on the long end). The "positive" news is that recalls should start before the anticipated need due to retraining.

Good luck to all.

767pilot

this sounds rather vindictive.

Commando

I agree. I say 150 Furloughed. Two years max. No Opentime or JA's for two years will really hurt the company. Especially if UPS starts missing service.

767pilot

Big "if" given their scab force

31wins

RE: Unemployment benefits,

you collect from and file where you are based when furloughed, not where you live

word

Precontact

Hawk - Will the bid packs be available today (Friday Apr 24)? They've been pretty good about making them available on Fridays lately. I wonder if they had crew planning develop two sets of bid packs for 09-04, one including and one excluding the DC-8s.