MD11Simnerd

There is a furlough agreement, check the web

IPAMD11FO

Any details? I just went to the IPA site and all it says is that an agreement has been reached.

J Dawg

"UPS and the Independent Pilots Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 29, 2009, that gives the IPA approximately four weeks to obtain commitments from our line crewmembers that would allow UPS to avoid the furloughing of any pilots.
The IPA has until May 26, 2009, to obtain commitments from crewmembers to volunteer for one of several options that would minimize or eliminate the current overstaffing situation UPS is facing as a result of much lower than anticipated volume. The voluntary options include short- and long-term leaves of absence, job sharing, military leaves, reduced guarantee lines and early retirement.

“We are hopeful that the IPA is successful in its quest to obtain sufficient crewmembers in each of the available voluntary programs,” said Flight Operations Vice President Capt. Rick Barr. If there are sufficient volunteers, the agreement will be in effect for up to 2 ˝ years depending on the level of continuing voluntary participation by UPS crewmembers.

“Coming to an agreement on this MOU is an example of substantial cooperation and flexibility between UPS and the IPA,” Barr said. The parties have been meeting to explore measures which would provide the operational flexibility and business certainty that the company needs to avert a furlough of any UPS pilots.

Details on the results of this effort will be released as soon as possible after May 26, 2009"

Swedish Blender

Translation - if we don't get enough of what we like, it's not our fault

Naven

Every IPA member should volunteer for at least for something. The union says up to 1000 IPA members will be impacted by the furlough. Obviously the 300 would be impacted the most. It is imperative that everyone step up to the plate at this time and do something. If you are one of the guys that won't be affected by the furlough, volunteer anyway because it is the right thing to do and for IPA solidarity.

UPS wants to kick 300 of us to the curb. What kind of message would it send to them if every single IPA pilot volunteered for some part of this MOU. At minimum everyone should sign up for at least one bid period of RLG. UPS would S themselves.

Remember this is not a pay cut where you are working the same for less money. This is a voluntary way to take some time off and to keep your benefits.

Avg Joe

I'm surprised and pleased that the IPA and UPS have produced what appears to be a win-win solution to a bad predicament. The company wins by saving money, gaining crew force manning flexibility (that they didn't have previously) and, of course, they still maintain control.

Among the best ideas has got to be the new ability to "job share" between two crew members. I foresee this being WILDY popular as it allows for substantial time off and NOT an all or nothing income proposition like VLOA's. Best yet, the distribution of flying is worked out between the pilots and not dictated by the company! This gives great flexibility for those of us with kids that must vacation around school schedules, or working moms that desire more time with the kids, or more time with the spouse... or a thousand other reasons someone might want more time off for less pay. During peak the company can reduce or eliminate this provision if they need the bodies, thereby giving them more flexibility while retaining control. A true win-win. I hope they consider making this offering permanent!

The VLOA's (while maintaining full benefits) lets those who can afford it, or have other income sources, take a sabbatical and pursue other interests.

The other voluntary programs are equally compelling for those who are eligible to take advantage of them... i.e., early retirement without penalty, military LOA's, etc...


Nice job EB!

Vman

Although maybe true, let's take a closer look first and try to be positive about saving some of our jobs...

fishalaska

Absolute Kuddos to the IPA EB and UPS. I hope this type of open discussion and true negotiation occurs many times in the future and this goes a long way in my book for BOTH sides. I hope these options stay available in the future when things come up and time off is more valuable than money (pretty much always for me). Sign me up.

Fish (Bottom 300 guy)

Precontact

I wonder when the DC-8 displacement bid will show up. Is it tied to this MOU? Would be nice to see some 747s in SDF or ONT as well. Interesting times...

v2plus25

It looks like the over 65 crowd will also be able to take the early retirement option 2 which gives them an additional year credit towards their final annual retirement benefits. Wouldn't this be a COST to the company instead of a savings?

I mean, these guys are outa here anyways once the 8's are gone.