Originally Posted by
dckozak
Do you really believe that removing ALPA and returning to FPA is a logical response to this issue?? Is this about lack of trust in DW and company, or is this issue of retroactively so important that is worth risking the unforeseen, potentially damaging aspect of going back to an in house union?? Maybe you weren't here, pre contract or pre ALPA two or One. Do you remember FPA and the travisty it became?? Clearly the issues involved in the age 60 debate has created a major fissure in the way it has been dealt with by FDX ALPA. Is it about the leadership or the issue?? If you believe the fact of retroactively (pilots returning from SO to Capt) will really adversely affect your career progression, I think your way off base. There are a lot of negative issues related to increasing the retirement age, impeded seat progression at FedEx is minor relative to the legacy pax carriers. Growth has always been the major driver to upgrades at FedEx, retirements, while increasing (or did until recently) will for the foreseeable future play a smaller part in seat movement than at slower growing (or contracting) pax carriers.
Again regarding the issue of age 60 legislation or FAA action. ALPA has not been at the forefront of this impending change. Thank the Europeans and your fellow pilots (outside of the ALPA structure and within at SWA) for helping bring this issue to our door steps. The solution is political, ALPA has determined that change is going to happen and is trying to mitigate damage to it members while respecting the rights of all members regardless of age.
This is not an issue where seniority triumphs over the less senior. I voted with the majority because I see this as a loss to all pilots. Assuming the change happens, we all will have the opportunity to shorten our retirement by five years. Thats the real loss.
You took that part about the FPA out context. I AM NOT SAYING I WANT FPA TO RETURN. I think we are far better off with a national force - ALPA than a FDX pilot only force. That was in response to George's question about if OUR MEC and MEMBERSHIP voted 99% for a contract yet Prater said he knew better and wouldn't sign it.
My main goal is to have a MEC that listens to you, me and the other 4800+ pilots they represent. That is a logical response. If our MEC would do that, I would completely shut up. I might disagree with them but if a disagreement is the minority, that's the way it is.
Read my post prior to the one you quoted. True this issue could create a fissure. The real issue is how is it handled and it has touched enough people that is has created this debate.