“All this talk it comes down to a business decision. Either the union is going to aid the company in this business decision or the company is going to take it upon itself to protect as it sees fit.” - 300ER Hauler

You’re right, it will be a UPS business decision - and only a UPS decision. This company has rarely been interested in IPA’s input. The IPA has many times tried to put forth cost saving ideas to the company and have been rejected. It is no secret that UPS spends excesses of money needlessly. It is not the IPA’s place to manage UPS’s financial business, nor does UPS desire it. Should each member of this union perform their job in a professional, safe and cost effective manner? I think yes. It is to everyone’s benefit for UPS to stay financially strong. To entertain the idea that UPS is approaching the union for cost savings ideas in order to protect the jobs of pilots is an exercise in delusion. The smoke and mirrors tactic of bringing in emotional responses in order to open up the contract is a very familiar ploy. The old "Not our fault guys, your union let you down".

The manager’s ‘sacrifice’ for the company can be viewed in a different light. Yes, they took a pay freeze – BUT, as per our contract, the pilots are in one too – no raise until January 2010. No matching 401K for the managers at this time – last time I looked the pilots have never even received that benefit. And no bonus – well, someone please tell me if the rumor is true – did they decide to forgo our bonus this year???? (I really don’t know – but shucks, that turkey was a tradition!) As far as the managers are concerned, perhaps their biggest sacrifice has been watching their stock price fall – and fall.

No one wants to see this company furlough a single pilot. But I think it more prudent to put the blame where it belongs and not allow the company the satisfaction of seeing the havoc they are sowing.