Originally Posted by
Tuck
- Big push was that MEC cannot and does not selectively represent its membership. It must represent all. They will not cave to "mob rule" regardless of any poll outcomes. Giving an inch on seniority will hurt future negotiations. Union has potential to let this turn into big battle that will hurt us in future negotiations.
- Age 65, if it passes, is seen as external event - federal regulation. Question was asked if MEC has considered any adjustments to potential loss of FO earnings/seniority/etc. Although some loss is probably guaranteed, DW refused to predict anything since there are so many unknowns and they defintely are not considering any present or future changes to help mitigate losses to junior members as this was/is an "external event".
Thanks for the great info Tuck. Very helpful. Apparently, DW has the charisma to help us work thru this hard time in our union. But it doesn't change the facts for me.
The statements above appear to be contradictions. When an issue is supported that is great for retirees or the most senior dudes (at the expense of junior dudes and their "peripheral" issues), they cry we must support all in the union. This is not the first time this has happened.
Yes, I agree, this is an external event. So lets not waste our political blue chips by pushing for a retroactive solution. We will have less power on other, more important and lasting issues.
It's enlightening to know that if DW gets his way he also has no desire to work anything positive for the junior folks because it is an external issue. I figured as much.
I figure that since it is an external event we should go with the NWA or IPA position. I'm not buying that we are doing the right thing. If we were really interested in doing the "right thing" to bring over 60 folks to the front retroactively, we would have changed position on age 60 a few years ago or push now for for retirees to come back.
The right thing is taking care of our retirees or over 60 guys. We do that now. Some stay on as SO a long time to hang out with their friends on trips. The over 60 SOs take their massive vacation, drop a few trips and use a little sick time. I'm very glad to help them enjoy a few more years at FedEx. Over 60 from most carriers means retirement with no hope of return and a tough new life at Netjets if they want to keep flying. But enough is enough. When we kill thousands of younger guys for it, I draw the line. Like DW I say we should support all in the union, not just the most senior 300.
And it is still drawn no matter how smooth and convincing DW tries to be.