PicklePausePull

FDD: I agree with you. The 32% I speak of happens to closely resemble those who operate outside of Memphis. They are in fact the ones who "get it," for the most part. There are just too many Memphis based guys who have shown a willingness to fly the parings (extra or disputed) that are rejected by the outlying crew base crews. Saw plenty of this during last contract negotiations.

Of course, the Company also knows this and relies on it during contract negotiations, being advised by a quality law firm that knows how to easily manipulate the chowder heads at ALPA.

Laughing_Jakal

Lets make the distinction between Memphis based......and Memphis guys (i.e. those that live in Memphis). It's been my experience that folks who live in Memphis have the flexibility to avoid the undesireable and don't have to worry about turning into and out of events. When I was on reserve, the times I was assigned a DP. The others on the flight who picked the trip up voluntarily were almost always commuters who were more concerned about their footprint than the SIG process.

In addition, Memphis is the largest base, and I would bet has the largest percentage of commuters. I am not blaming commuters, but it seems an easy, wide paintbrush is used to paint "Memphis Guys", with the intimation that who is being referred to are the folks who live in domicile in Memphis.

MeXC

Perhaps we need to quit making distinctions at all. The schisms and differences are real but we do ourselves no favors highlighting and bickering about them in an open forum. Memphis, Anchorage, Hong Kong, Cologne, Los Angeles, all the same when it comes to the basics. The sooner and better we understand that, the better off we'll all be.

dckozak

Rather than finger point at various "communities" within FedEx, how about we agree that all of us need to be more diligent in policing both our own behavior and those we fly with. Placing the blame elsewhere does nothing to solving the problem. If your a reserve and your assigned a DP, explain to your crew why you have the trip and (by extension) force the other guy to look in the mirror and live up to what they've done.
The only way we'll ever get a handle on this DP problem is when we admit (to our selves and collectively) that we have a problem that hurts us all and we shame/call out the offenders for doing so.

FLMD11CAPT

Accountability to us from the MEC is one of the cornerstones of a strong Union. They want unity but are unwilling to abide buy our wishes and direction. It starts with transparency, and representing ones constiuancy. We have just over a week before the MEC meets to decide whether or not to take the 3%. The arguments are overwhelming to do so. We should demand an open session, roll call vote. That way all know how their Rep voted and each group is weighed by numbers. This business of operating during Executive session and hiding who votes how has got to stop. We have communicated clearly and concisely how we want our MEC to vote. It was not done during Age 65, lets make sure it is done now. Call your Rep and make sure they know you are watching......

PicklePausePull

Have to disagree with you here, MeXC. Far too many times have I witnessed first hand memphis based crews freely taking outside domicile DP trips that the local folks won't pick up. (Scheds. just adds a front end dead head from MEM). Also, voices on MEM crew bus during FDA negotiations have been consistently a "Hey, it doesn't affect me" attitude.

Perhaps we need to restructure the voting format so that each DOMICILE has an equal vote on these matters. Otherwise, as the recent votes have shown, we are counted out by the majority in Memphis who take adversarial positions to those in the outlying stations.

The company is well aware of the conflict of interests within our union. DW & co. made sure of that. Unfortunately, Agency Shop ensures that the minority will never have their voice heard since there exists no real way to get the attention of the MEC from the outlying stations, or those with sympathetic views in MEM.

I'll just do another survey and watch it ignored...again.

Gunter

I predict some interesting contract negotiations, after we take this 3% raise coming up.

Most pilots I've talked to are not happy about the cargo cutout and some of our current work rules. I expect change

MeXC

PPP, that's cool. I've witnessed the same things and probably have the same disappointments that you have. I just don't think we gain anything by pointing fingers in an open forum.
Pax.

Pakagecheck

FL,
I called yesterday and was told the voting specifics will be made public for the extension, didn't ask about open forum. I would also recommend that if one has doubt as to their rep voting against the wants of the masses, also ask to get the specifics for recall procedures. We would do well to be informed if the situation presents itself.
Pakage

FreightDawgyDog

I have confirmed their is a split on this issue and the vote will be closer than most of us lowly line pilots would think. I know the Negoitiating Committee has voiced their opinion that we need to take the 3% and continue talks. Is this the same Negoitiating committee we will likely be told "Speaks for Me" when we are in full on negotiations and have hit an impasse? If so, why don't they speak for these reps who want to vote it down now? How do we look in mediation when the company says "We can't deal with these idiots. They turned down a 3% raise they had already negotiated a few years ago and paid for with an FDA deal. (During the worst economic downturn in 50 years no less). What kind of reasonable group does that?". Does anyone think the company will say the 3% will be the starting point of the next Section 6 or will they make us negotiate for it all over again wasting time and valuable resources to get back to even on it? Meanwhile we take 3% less home while we wait. The time is now to talk to your fellow pilots in all blocks and get them to call their reps and demand answers. If they vote against the will of their constituents and the Negoitiating Committee we are all supposed to support, they need to know there will be consequences for their arrogance. They were elected to follow the will of their members, not to tell them they know better than we do what is good for us. IMO, if you can't follow the direction given to you by a majority of those that elected you, the honorable thing to do would be resign and explain why in your resignation letter. Call your reps and talk to all your buds now to make sure the crew voices are heard...