Doubtful... read the MEC Vice-Chair's message from yesterday:


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Recent publicity about the state of our contract negotiations has led many to believe that a resolution is at hand. In fact, at least one very senior member of corporate management has indicated to a third party that the deal will be done soon. That opinion has some life on our crew buses as well.


Yes, we are halfway through a two-week schedule of negotiations. Yes, the National Mediation Board (NMB) mediator has indicated that both parties SHOULD be able to reach an agreement sooner rather than later.


But, here are two thoughts on the subject from the perspective of an elected representative and a cynic (born from experience, not genetics):


The NMB won’t be stroking the check, FedEx will. All optimism aside, unless and until that metaphorical "check" is manifest in writing in the form of better work rules, retirement, pay, etc., then nothing can be assumed. Credit should be given to the NMB representatives who are trying to facilitate these negotiations, but with all due respect, the ultimate decision on what FedEx management will be willing to offer will come from way up the FedEx corporate ladder and nowhere else.
In that light, it is the rank-and-file FedEx pilot who continues to be the most critical element in this whole process, for that same corporate management will continue to assess you until we sign this contract. Up until the time that you have a TA in your hands to vote on, that will remain true. Any distractions or abeyance of your manifest convictions and focus now could result in an undesired consequence later.

Progress has been made at the table, and that is a good thing. But that progress has not come easy nor will it, even in the eleventh hour and fifty-ninth minute of these negotiations. Metaphorically … eyes focused straight ahead and one hand on the scabbard.




Thanks for your time.