Originally Posted by
2cylinderdriver
According to my Block Rep, the Union got nothing in advance on the FDA Deposit issue, other than a phone call prior to the release of the FCIF. This is a BIG deal and I know we have no reason to give the MEC any lattitude, but let's see what they do. This direct dealing has been going on in other areas of our Contract and it needs to come to a STOP.
Call or email your Reps and let them know how you feel about this.
I did this at the joint council meeting last week. I think they know pretty much how most of the rank and file feel about this.
My block rep's stated concern was that he was more worried about the poor young junior guy that bids the FDA will lose the $10K in assistance if we protest the direct dealing, and how
THAT union member would have to forfeit an enhancement (even though Dave Webb said it wasn't a "substantial" enhancement) and they would have deprived him of a benefit.
The MEC wants to take the benefit now and try to have it incorporated into future deals (sound familiar?) for everybody.
Nevermind that this issue was discussed during the negotiations of the LOA (again according to Dave Webb) and rejected by the company. Its not like this was some shot in the dark out of nowhere. Why is the company negotiating during an open bid? Which also begs the question, why hasn't the MEC/NC provided the membership with the openers from the LOA negotiations?
Nevermind also, the greater good that would be served by having the company follow the Railway Labor Act and live up to the terms of the LOA that was negotiated, recommended (with assurances that it was as good as it would get) and ratified by the majority of the crew force. Apparently the MEC would rather trade that for a less than "substantial" enhancement for the poor, young junior guy/gal who wants to bid the FDA.
FJ