MaydayMark

For you non-FDX-ers, paragraph 4.a.2.b of our contract permits the company to lower our monthly guarantee (below contract limits) "in order to prevent a furlough." The company has done that. We have filed a grievance basically saying that their application of this section has been taken out of context.

So ... what's the company's next tactic as we approach 2010 contract negotiations? Could they possibly ask us to work for free?

Remember you saw it here first ...

British Airways asks staff to work for free - Times Online

Regards ... Mark

Gunter

3:40 hrs a day for reserve is pretty low.

No one else pays that little, do they? Funny how those comparing airline pilot salaries don't look at pay per day.

captexpress

More appropriately....what are "we" going to do? What is "our" next tactic? For that matter....what is the strategy?

As long as we do things like: undermine our own efforts by bidding an aircraft (777) in the middle of a pay rate dispute, or....as long as we scoop up the few trips (crumbs) that fall into open time like hungry dogs........the longer this will last.

Despite all our righteous indignation .........the message we send to management is "it's business as usual"...the freight moves every day.

We talk a lot.

jagplt

As I understand it we go to mediation on the 4a2b in Sept. Let' say the guy looks at it and say's FedEx you hosed your boys...

then what? any speculation?

if mediation does the normal 2 year process, the new contract will most likely have a clause that kills all mediation's in the pipe... such a lot to look forward to!

Gunter

As self appointed master of the obvious, it would only kill the grievance if we approve and ratify such a contract. Any guess on how a vote on that would turn out?

captexpress

Considering that management chose to ignore our voluntary efforts to reduce cost and avert a furlough, but instead chose to implementing a different strategy.......basically a mis-interpretation and exploitation of a weak contractual clause..........

Perhaps we should express our displeasure of such treatment by entering negotiations at the amendable date with a concurrent vote for self help? We have the time to get ready.......and it would send a very strong message.......to everyone.

Just a thought. We would not be the first to do so.

Brad4est

Then the company says its too hard to figure out who is owed how much, so they'll just pay everyone the same number of hours, including the "gentlemen" who are now flying 140-150 hrs each month while the rest of us suffer.

Why wouldn't they. It's a win-win from their perspective. Keeps us po'd at each other.

FDXLAG

From a recent Message Line:

This week, ALPA filed Grievance 09-11 which alleges the company's failure to provide safe and secure ground transportation in the HKG FDA as required by Section 5.C.

Arbitration for the 4.A.2.b. grievances is scheduled for August 6-7.

Arbitration regarding the 777 pay rate is scheduled for December 9-10.

My guess is the arbitrator will not find anything inherently wrong with FDX reducing hours but will agree that 90 hours in the 75 and 58 in the bus is wrong.

Haywood JB

The problem with all of this is you have to think like a lawyer about all of the pilot issues. How binding is the contract and was the intent followed? It doesn't matter that we are human beings and getting raked over the coals. Honestly, I think we will lose the 4a2b clause, all FedEx has to do is turn around and say, "ok." Then guys are on the street, and they win. It will also prove they can do what they want, when they want, under whatever interpretation they deam of the contract.

I am not saying I agree with any part or sub part of that, but in my humble opinion, I think we are going to lose either way on that one.

For the 777, we are truely our own worst enemys.

I think for some solid contract work, we need the new faces in the MEC to get in and up to speed. They need to get the block reps inputs, and we as the membership need to express our concerns. This is the only way we will get any improvement.

HJB

Busboy

Your list is good, but out of order. For successful contract negotiations...The most important thing is the MEMBERSHIP. That is, the membership showing management that we are prepared to do whatever it takes. All the bag tags and stickers in the world are not going to do it. That's just cheap talk.

What does the negotiating team use as negotiating capital? They use management's belief that it would be more expensive, not to give us what we demand. And, that's all we've got. The right to self help. WE, not our block reps or MEC Officers, need to show that resolve. When you're asked to attend informational picketing...DO IT!! When a rally is being held...GO!! When you're asked to vote...VOTE!!(Maybe read it first) And, if you're asked to spend the company's money on a friggin' hat...DO IT!! Do what your elected leaders ask of you. Management will be watching.

That's the only way we will get any improvement.