Jetjok

I too don't understand why the negotiating committee negotiated this LOA, nor do I understand why the MEC recommended it to the crew force, but I'm willing to learn as much as I can about said LOA, without letting my imagination run wild. Perhaps this lack of willingness to panic, comes with age. Perhaps it comes with being senior enough to not be affected by the LOA. Regardless, personally I think this LOA is lacking, big time.

My intent was not to imply anything, but I must confess that I'm getting a little weary of everyone looking for everything. I really wasn't trying to compare this POS LOA with a training event. Sorry if you got so worked up over that. I know they're different animals.

As for give-backs, yeah, I think that perhaps we could have done better. As far as guys getting "hosed twice", I say, if that's the worst thing that happens to guys here, then they've really chosen wisely.

FDXLAG

No problems here, I started our little 1 v 1 by commending you for good answers. I only objected to one. I thought your reply was a little condescending, as I suspect your hypothetical 14 day trip will pay more then a 30 day STV line. I also think the union should know this and find their dancing a little deceitful.

But if you want to keep your illusions, who am I to criticize.

FDXBUSCAPT

Nope, only if you volunteer for STV. If you are inversed, it is only one month. According to JL's email, "Any STV bid can last up to 3 months. If you bid on it, whatever the time specified is what you’ll serve. However, if no one wants to go, then the inverse portion will be kept to a minimum. The standard term for inversing will be one month."

FDXLAG

"Standard term" is that like saying: It will be a maximum of 30 days? If so why not say it will be a maximum of 30 days.

fdxmd11fo

With regard to duration and length of inverse assignments, the Special Temporary Vacancy (STV) portion of the LOA corresponds with the current language of SIBA temporary assignments, with the exception that instead of once every 14 months (done as a quarterly assignment) the company is limited for up to three bid periods every 18 months. Furthermore, unlike the SIBA assignment, the pilot is assigned with per diem and lodging for the entire time he or she is in the temporary assignment, whether or not they are on duty. You’re assigned, and then you bid lines like any other pilot. What you do on your off time is up to you, you aren’t being placed on up to 90 days of hotel standby, and you’re like any other pilot in a base. And regardless of the length of assignment, be it one bid period or three, your spousal unit will be able to join you on the company’s dime. Finally, this provision dies after 24 months of the FDA opening, and yes while it can come back up if the FDA closes, it is only for the last 540 days (18 months).

This is from the letter from my block rep and it says 90 days!!!!!!
Do you really think that if we sign a contract that says 3 months, which by the way could include 5 week bid months making it 100+ days, and the company says the intent is 1 month that will stand in court.

FlyByNite

YGBSM...If you think that JL's email will override a ratified LOA, I would think again. It's in there for 3 months, and they have the ability to use it for three months. Can't you see 18 months from now instead of calling it a "standard inverse term", they will call it a "special inverse term" and you can pack your bags for 90 days away from your home and family. The LOA is weak, and there is no way I'm going to vote for anything that will let them ship me off the HKG for three months. JL is not a friend of the line pilot. He sat on the company side during negotiations and was the author of emails such as "Horse crap" and "Witch Hunt". How many times has he been wrong? Lots, remember all the wrong gouge he kept putting out on the MOAB?

Falconjet

Duh is right. Here it is we haven't even voted and guys are buying off on the one month "deal".

ONE MONTH IS ONE MONTH TOO LONG TO BE FORCED INTO FLYING OUT OF A FOREIGN COUNTRY. IT IS A MAJOR CONCESSION!

Tell me you don't really believe that three months in a voluntarily agreed to, concessionary LOA, will be discarded for a verbal 1 month promise by the MEC and JL. You have been here long enough to know that any scheduling tool available to Schedules will be used at any opportunity if they need to move some freight.

Why would we agree to even 1 month? IF we do, we are idiots and will only have ourselves to blame. ALPA and the MEC will be even further distanced from the mainstream members of the organization and will likely die on the vine.

I'd like to think (but I'm not really hopefull) that we would be smarter than to vote this LOA in. God help us if we do.

FJ

sandman2122

And FDX will only pay you per diem and a hotel room for your time away from home/family.......gee, no thanks I'd rather be at home w/my family - you can keep the per diem and room.

We are not in a concessionary financial "doom & gloom" situation: we're expanding our global operations, buying 777 and 757's, building bigger domestic hubs (i.e. GSO) and FDX is still making money, yet they want YOU to accept this concessionary LOA.

Since when does UPS, ABX, DHL or UAL (for that matter) force their pilots overseas for up to 90 days.............or face possible termination?

fdxflyer

not me - other guy with similar name. think you spelled his right. thought you meant me.