SWA and Delta choose to wait for more money. 57% of our pilot group decided taking the gains now might be more valuable than protracted negotiations. I don't think the yes voters--which include me--where jumping up and down about the TA. It was simply a matter of would the next one offset the delay and would be preserve some (yet to be fully integrated and appreciated) work rule changes. While nobody can predict EXACTLY the right choice, the results of the next TA will be an interesting comparison to what FDX pilots approved. I would rather be rich than right, so if those guys secure huge gains good on them--they raised the bar for all of us. In 5.8 years we'll have a new target and a different strategy. If they get what I think they will...the same deal +/- 10 percent 2 years from now...then its a wash but with a lot more turmoil and disruption to work and family life. If they fail to secure 10% more...then they might have even lost ground.

What I see in IPA is a chance to improve your own lot...eliminate NURPs, stop flying on your own jets, and get some work rule improvements to match what we have. We already lifted the bar....and along the way have put millions of dollars into the hands of other ALPA and union pilots at American, United, and FedEx by NOT riding on our own jets to work. We fought to keep our training department filled with our pilots, improving our training fidelity and also creating more positions within the company for future ALPA pilots instead of professional instructors. We have put dues dollars to work for over a decade on initiatives that don't just help us, but our entire industry....with safety initiatives, KCM, open skies and host of others. Our pilot group has a lot to be proud about, and right now has IMHO the best contract in the industry. I'll accept a post-mortem on ways to improve from the guys in the trenches, but pot shots from the other side of Mason Dixon line fall a bit flat when 10% of your flying is out-sourced internally and you are riding around on your own jumpseats to work. I could give two ****s less about 5-10 bucks more an hour if I hate my job, and hate going to work. Right now, as a captain living an FDA, I see a lot of very nice improvements for my family in this new contract. Judging by the number of calls and emails we have been getting from pilots from SWA, Jetblue, Atlas, and even Delta and American who are trying to come to FedEx I am pretty sure we aren't holding anyone down too much.

If IPA is so much more effective, then I challenge you to "force their hand". Show us weak-dicks at FDX what unity looks like, and shame us with your new deal. Reclaim your flying, start flying first class DHs, and get 10% or so above our pay rates. But whatever go get, or don't get...take full responsibility for it and quit passing it off on us. We haven't just been helping cargo pilots, but the entire industry....and maybe I am a bit sensitive but I am rather proud of those contributions.