I've known DW for 15 years or so and can say infadicly he is, was and (IMHO) will continue to be one of the strongest advocates for this pilot force. Having said that, I think he's looking too far downstream regarding our needs (contractually) and personally feels we should take half a loaf now so as to better negotiate a full loaf later. The problem with this logic is, we will have to live with the ramifications of this LOA now!!
I truly believe that if the company truly though that this move package and cost up provisions was such a good deal (to the FedEx pilots, not the bottom line) they would not have poisoned it with the STV provisions, assuring staffing even if the FDA's cannot be staffed via the "enhanced" options provided. Much of what is wrong with this LOA is what isn't mentioned either by DW in his letter or previous ALPA messages regarding the LOA. Trust me is never a good way to do business, whether buying a house or dealing with your employer regarding work rules and other employment provisions. FedEx is trying to improve their business model on our backs. Be assured the optimizer will work its magic in both CDG and HKG saving the company money and giving them the flexibility they can only have with pilots based in these two locations. Lets not sell ourselves short by signing off on this document. We have the union and companies attention, let them know, in no uncertain terms how will feel about the terms agreed by our union.