Sirs:

The FedEx defined benefit plan is just a bit behind when compared to the current IRS limits. When our $260,000 x 2% x 25 years was established for a cap of $130,000 annually over 20 years ago, the amount was probably appropriate and valid. As you can see below, the 415 plan cap has increased just a little. If our MEC and the NC aren’t targeting substantial increases in our retirement plans, I doubt there’s little chance a T/A will be ratified. I’m not sure about [your] thoughts, but I think a $70,000 retirement pay raise is deserved and appropriate! Increase the 2% multiple to 3% and we’re essentially there.

From the IRS code: “Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the limitation on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under Section 415(b)(1)(A) is increased from $200,000 to $205,000.”

It’s time for a LOT of CBA improvements. Scheduling (accepted fares, real time trip trades, deviation policy), health care, scope, pay, retirement … are just a few. We also need to lose the reference to "accepted practice", the Flight Crew Handbook, and "that's the way we've always done it". The CBA is the rule book, and I could care less how things were done in 1994.

Very Respectfully,
Nakazawa