Originally Posted by
BrownClown
Your 4a2b provision wouldn't work at UPS. They'd have an excuse to stay in it perpetually. Yes, pilots got furloughed, but it wasn't for the lack of the IPA trying to change that. UPS decided to furlough regardless of the voluntary measures the IPA was continuing to make work. UPS chose to shove it down our throats.
Virtually every furloughed pilot didn't want to come back to a degraded contract. Out of 2600 pilots on the list, less than a dozen increased their hours above line value, picked up open time or accepted JA. Plus, we paid the insurance of every furloughee that needed it.
We have very similar contracts, it would be interesting to see who cost their company more. I think some of you brown guys might be surprised. We do a lot of things over here where a senior guy can pick up a lot of extra flying real easy and still keep a fairly low profile. Several seats and locations always seem to average significantly more flying than other seats. Not complaining it is just the
FDX MEC way.
Our 4A2b provision in theory is probably not a whole lot different than your anti furlough provisions. It is supposed to share the pain before anyone is forced out. Had we had stronger language our 4A2b would have worked out a lot like yours, most guys making minimum guarantee. In practice though the company was able to screw half the crew force while keeping some seats well above average. Personally I like the idea of not furloughing, ending 4A2b is probably an easier decision for management to make than recalling pilots.
I am in no position to say who has the better contract. My point is neither is brownie.