I think management is between a rock and a hard place. Do they want to do something, sure, is it likely, I think not.

First, I think FDX does not want the bad press of a furlough. We are still making tons of money. We are trying to get DHL customers. We won't unless UPS blinks first. Imagine the ad campaign launched on us by UPS to get customers if we annouce furlough.

Second, the BLG reduction down to 48/60 is not possible thanks to INTL lines.

Third, they can't furlough 'hundreds'...who will fly the 727? They would need a displacement bid with the furlough. You want some overmanning in order to be poised for opportunities that may arise in the future. You don't want pilot's on the street to be re-trained. You want them ready to go if the need arises.

This section of the contract is poorly written because people thought it would never come to this. They can't just lower the BLG because they want to, they have to in order to prevent or delay a furlough. Which means they have to ANNOUNCE a furlough, which again I think they are afraid to do. That, I think is the kicker.

I think the only way the company can proceed is (1) to get an LOA removing/altering/displacing the furlough langauge AND allowing them to reduce BLG by seat/aircraft (in order to save INTL lines). (2) Ask for a minor BLG reduction across the crew force (not mentioning furlough) in kinda a spread the pain/save the company/we're all in this together gesture OR (3) reduce BLGs (again without f word mention) on some lines/acft.

We're still making money people.