I understand now. If the MEC didn't agree to this LOA proposal, the company might have shut the MEC out of any future negotioations, just like with Congress and the age 65 legislation. So the MEC decided to agree to the LOA so they can have a say in how it is implemented.

Our MEC can't (or won't) fight for us any more. At least I get a useful calendar for my 2% - and a lanyard which I no longer wear. I am voting NO.

Perfectly Said!!!!!

Hey, I've changed my mind and will vote NO so you guys get what you deserve.:rolleyes: I'm sure as the next couple of weeks pass you can count on a NO vote from the senior group to help you along your learning curve.;) Good luck!!!

Whose fault is that? How long has the company talked about opening Paris? Years? Did the union not have the foresight to add language to CBA regarding FDA's during the last CBA negotiations? We knew this (FDA's) was coming eventually and now we have to accept a turd sandwich? I'm really getting tired of the Union's lack of planning (Age 60, etc.) and excuses. Health care, no tie to the dollar value, no regard or respect to family (tickets, schooling). No vote for me....

"Whose fault is that? How long has the company talked about opening Paris? Years? Did the union not have the foresight to add language to CBA regarding FDA's during the last CBA negotiations?"


My sources tell me that the Subic pilots and rep pushed really hard for the NC to make this part of our contract negotiations but were turned down and told it would happen after the contract was finished. My question is why? If it was so the MEC and the NC could sell this POS as a "it's better than what we have" or "we have no leverage" argument then mission accomplished. We sure would have had leverage during the contract talks. Anyone in the know care to address this?

I'm just guessing...But, I'm sure the answer would be, "We didn't want to expend any negotiating capital" on something that may or may not happen. I'm not saying that is or is not right. But, I would think if they didn't want to negotiate an ExPat package...They shouldn't have allowed any FDA language into the contract.

You know, that "negotiating capital" stuff is hard to come by at FDX.

I hear you... Kind of like all the money spent on polling for Age 60.

With regard to backlash on the age 60 fiasco, that turd don't float. Two separate animals. This (FDA LOA) is a bad package and something "We" have control over. Age 60 is for the feds.

I can understand wanting to foster a working relationship with management, but come on. This LOA is not good. I've never seen a union so afraid to pick a fight with management, even when it's the "Right thing to do".

This LOA sets a dangerous precedent for ourselves and additionally it sets a standard for other airlines that will have to negotiate for this as well. We're lead dog in this issue and we should be positive that we set the bar as high as possible but doing so within reason. I'm not advocating raping the company nor am I saying stick it to the crews. I'm saying go back to the table with a reasonable counter offer and give us something that is a little more balanced. As it is, this LOA puts too much of the burden on the crews. I'd say it's a good first round of negotiations. You always low ball your first offer to see if someone will chew on it and run. However, we can do better than this LOA.

For those that think we have no leverage, you're SO wrong. We have tons of leverage in our tanks, our decisions, our cruise altitudes, our cruise speeds and our decisions to divert. Make no mistake, we have leverage. I just hope we don't have to use it. I'd like that 7% number to rise instead of fall...but I'm game for either depending on how this game of poker is played out.

Can anyone educate me on the statement that "The scope improvements in this LOA are very significant" BM put out in today's email? I've read through the LOA and I may be dense, but I can't see anything improving scope. What am I missing?

Z

I agree this LOA is lacking but have yet to see any valid comments/ideas on what to do if we vote it down...

How bad would it be in someone got junior manned to the FDA and got stuck paying taxes housing etc by themselves?

Before we all can this we need a good reasonable approach to take afterwards.

Past.....