Ladies and Gentlemen:

My first post here addressed retirement. Our vision needs continued expansion for YOUR future (I’m outta here soon).

SCHEDULING – PBS WILL GOON US!!!

In 2001, the CBA allowed for 5 continents in a pairing. When that didn’t work for the Company and their efficiencies, the solution was to allow the Company to use 6 continents [by not counting the continent where the trip began]. As we transitioned to the GRID, Time Zone Differentials (TZDs), the crew force continued to migrate backwards while the Company enjoyed massive scheduling goonage of the crew force. Also in 2001/2, the Company was limited to two flight segments after the return to a gateway city from an international location. That wasn’t working so well for the Company, so they asked for and received permission to use two duty periods instead of the two flight segment restriction. The result was back-to-back-to-back Pacific crossings. Limitations we had fought for evaporated.

If you don’t understand the magnitude of these givebacks, take a look at an old bidpack – 15 years ago – compared to where we are today. I certainly don’t fault the Company for wanting to optimize their efficiencies, but in most cases, we got NOTHING in return. Battles were also addressed and lost in the disputed pairing process. The SIG continues to ask us to not pick up and fly disputed pairings. When we do, we’re giving the Company leverage to screw us – and they do.

Before the domestic crews get all over this, remember that you haven’t crossed 18 time zones with a sling-shot for 18 more, had 7 circadian swaps, dealt with foreign languages, international altimetry and bogus (China) RVSM and lateral offset procedures. We all know the issues with lost city purity, hub turns, standbys and out-and-backs, and a myriad of issues that have destroyed the domestic flying quality. They need fixed too.

This is the CBA to move forward. This is the CBA to set the precedent that we want to be rewarded for our contribution to the success of FDX Corp. If you think we’re only minimally responsible for this success, the worlds premier overnight express shipping company, then your reward will be accordingly minimal.

Get that lanyard on. Show the Company you care.

Very Respectfully,
Nakazawa