Pilot7576,

The original poster did a really great job in highlighting the differences between our two companies. The one area, I feel, he didn't adequately address is in the area of something called "Good Will." It's certainly understandable however, in that UPS has never shown any "good will" toward any of its employee groups. Federal Express started out as a dream, and was perpetuated by its pilot group. That counted for a lot, and the company founder didn't forget that for many years. There was much "good will" around here for many years to come, however, that said, there was, on the part of Fred Smith, a enormous hatred for unions. Back in the day, it was "Delta plus a nickle", not because Fred wanted his pilots to be the highest paid in the industry, but mainly because he wanted them to not unionize.

Over the years FedEx has become less like a large family and more like a business, and it was at that time when we unionized. Fred hated it. The rest of the employees felt the same, but we were on our way. We went from a Flight Advisory Board, which was a group of pilots who were allowed input into the operation of the company, to a union, inheriting much of the work rules and other perks that came from the time of the FAB and of course the "good will." We built what we have now from those beginnings, fighting the company all the way. However, by then we were a truly divided group, because those at the top of the seniority pole had a whole different perspective than did those in the middle or at the bottom. Unfortunately, it remains close to that today, however the view is getting more singular for the overall group, mainly because of some of the bone-headed things that the company has done.

It was a lot different for you guys at UPS, because you built an flying operation with guys who were given nothing. No amenities, no decent facilities, no decent pay, etc. The view from your totem pole was singular, regardless of what seat you sat in or where you were on the seniority ladder. In effect, each and every one of you guys were getting screwed by UPS. That's why you have the solid union you have today. With us at purple, it's been a very different journey.