captain_drew

Comment (just below) and a 'FWD' from a former FedEx pilot (not me) who now works at a Major -and is counting on our pilot group to help drag the industry UP out of the ditch . The EARLY contract renewal and that comment about 'the good relationship' with USPS was a BITTER slap in the face of the pilot group!

FYI. Fred is laughing all the way to the bank knowing that by dragging his feet, each day he postpones the inevitable he's saving the company thousands upon thousands of dollars. Talk about leverage...if FedEx pilots don't have it then NOBODY'S got it. Yet the FedEx MEC lets this BS continue. Is Fred paying the MEC union leaders off?

--- Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: fdxmec-fastread
Sent: Friday, August 04, 2006 2:45 PM
Subject: ALPA FDX MEC Negotiations Update 06-05


https://crewroom.alpa.org/fdx/Admin/...w.aspx?id=4572
The MEC Negotiating Committee continued NMB mediated sessions with management negotiators July 25-27, in Washington, DC. Since we sent you our last Negotiations Update on June 21, we have met with management under the direction of the mediator four times for a total of ten days of face-to-face talks. Topics discussed these past sessions included, in no particular order, Scope, Agency Shop, Pre-Medicare Retiree Health Care, Medicare-Eligible Retiree Health Care, Retirement, Rigs and Pay rates. Both sides have submitted comprehensive proposals that included all unsettled issues. Management's last proposal was July 20, and we countered that offer the week of July 25. While no final agreement was reached on any individual issue, some measurable progress was made, and our committee feels confident that a structure is in place defining the deal that should be made in the near future. That is, provided management's stated desire to conclude the process with a fair agreement recognizing our contributions is in fact their intended purpose. We have told them consistently and often that our cornerstone issues are essential to an agreement; and that while we understand that ultimately any agreement must be fair to both sides we have several structural issues with our Contract that need addressing through the collective bargaining process. As you well know, many aspects of our current agreement were not bilaterally bargained, but rather handed down unilaterally at the end of the last "process." It is now incumbent on both sides to work to achieve an agreement at the table that enables all parties to walk away from this negotiation with their dignity intact.

The effort we expend and the results we achieve on behalf of our company were again highlighted in recent days by the decision of the U.S. Postal Service to reward us with an extension of the Transportation Agreement through 2013. Our service was so outstanding and reliable that the management of the Postal Service saw fit to extend our business relationship for six more years (please keep in mind the only service Federal Express provides the U.S. Postal Service is air transportation of their product - they handle the trucking and delivery themselves). The FedEx Express CEO stated in a news release announcing the new contract, "Reaching a new agreement a full two years ahead of schedule is proof positive of the excellent relationship that FedEx has developed with the U.S. Postal Service" (he's referring, of course to the aviation side of the house). Since we are now more than two years past the amendable date of our Collective Bargaining Agreement, could one extrapolate from the above statement and the lengthy nature of our negotiations that management views its relationship with the pilots as something less than excellent? Clearly the Postal Service recognizes the value the pilots add to this enterprise. The commitment of the pilots to our side of the relationship with our company is on display every day. The proof is in the pudding in the form of our historic reliability and, of course, the new Postal Service Agreement. It goes without saying that we have already earned the right to the premier contract in the airline industry. All that remains is to work out the details.

At the conclusion of last week's mediated sessions, while discussing the scheduling of future meetings, it became apparent that the mediator would like to instill an increased sense of urgency in the parties to conclude the process. In consideration of this new urgency, consecutive weekly sessions were scheduled beginning August 15, and continuing into the following week. The mediator implied that absent real progress, particularly the first week, there would need to be a change in the dynamics of the process. We fully support the idea of finishing the Agreement in a timely manner. However, while we share the mediator's desire for an expeditious end to the process, rest assured we will not sacrifice our cornerstone issues for the sake of expediency. As we have stated in previous updates, any agreement we reach must stand for ratification by you, the pilots, on its own merits. We have conveyed that message clearly to the mediator and to management's negotiators and we will continue to be guided by that principle. Our group deserves nothing less.

The resolve and unity of our pilot group has captured the attention of everyone involved in this process. It is greatly appreciated by the Negotiating Committee, and is an accomplishment in which we can all take great pride. Now is not the time to relax, however. Now is the time to steel our resolve and commitment for the stretch run. There will be ample time to relax when the deal is done.

Fraternally,
The FDX MEC Negotiating Committee

RAC396

Just look at the T/Aed section 11 it looks like someone was payed off.Dave got what he wanted ,and the instructors got the shaft.

trashhauler

When we get a TA, you have to vote on the merits of the whole TA. You're not always going to get everything you want in a contract. If you are an instructor and are not happy with section 11, you should quit like some people have. There will be plenty of other pilots who will be willing to replace you. I'm sure there will be parts of the contract I won't like, but I'll vote based on the whole package. IMHO.

RAC396

I think a lot of instructors will quit. The union that is. At least that will produce a pay raise.

2cylinderdriver

Go ahead and quit ALPA then, at least we know you are a one issue guy "ME,ME,ME" if you plan on being in block 11 for the rest of your career then voting no might be a consideration based on ONE section of a TA. BTW I think they have agreed to agency shop, so if you quit I guess it will not be a raise ?

RedeyeAV8r

If you are a Section 9 or Section 11 pilot.......................and really unhappy with the TA's section 11.......


Ask yourself these 2 questions.
1. Other than simply paying dues, what have I done to support the Union and the Negoitiating committee to achieve a Leading contract. (i.e have you enjoyed your days off)

2. Why is my calender blocked??? (refer to question #1)

Oh and by the way........How many folks do you think will actually quit the training Dept under this TA'd section??

My guess zero..............especially the ones who have their calenders blocked?

RedeyeAV8r

Drew..........I am not sure exactly you what you are trying to say or what point you are trying to make. Why are you trying to stir the POT, especially since you are enjoying a fairly nice Union negotiated retirement.

To make (unjustifed ) accusations about an Elected Union official taking a payoff from the company serves no purpose except to give the Company PR folks more ammo.

I know your access to VIPs is now cut off..................but what would you have the Leadership do? If the membership (albeit a small number) continues
to undermine the negotiating committee by sacrificing off days..................

Alot of FLEX CAPT's and Check Airman are doing alot of "Voluntary" right seat flying lately so crew skeds can cover trips.

So again............show me a totally unified group and I'll show you a superior contract. Show me a splintered group and..............you know the rest.

MD11Fr8Dog

You mean all those poor instructors that work all of that OT and brag about it and the Flex Ho Captains flying right seat on DFT? Huge mistake creating a special interest voting block (INST block) if you ask me!

fecav8r

Alzheimers is a terrible thing. Especially when you were stupid to begin with...

MD11Fr8Dog

Hmm, now lets not call each other names say mean things about each other, unless of course, I already mentioned you earlier!