Who will bid FDA with no LOA?
07-26-2007, 01:17 PM
#11
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Aug 2006
Posts: 266
RedEyE, how would we have any more leverage if the Chicoms shoot this down after we approve it? When the company gets govt approval we have already accepted Fedex's offer.
If anything Fedex would come back with less. They only need 50%+1.
If we approve it now how do we get more later?
If anything Fedex would come back with less. They only need 50%+1.
If we approve it now how do we get more later?
07-26-2007, 03:30 PM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2006
Posts: 2,889
I think one point the Union negotatiors were very concerned about was that if we didn't have an LOA, guys will bid the domicile anyway--therefore getting this LOA is a good idea as we can improve it later.
I don't thing we'll fill the domciles as easily as they think we will. (standard disclaimer--wrong before, will be again...) However, Subic was good deal financially for the guys who went, even without an LOA, because of tax savings, low cost of living, and rapid upgrades. The hub was close to the living area, and getting to work was much less difficult than we'll face in Hong Kong.
The new FDAs present a different environment. CDG sounds fun, but when you price out going to Paris without the LOA and being subject to taxes in Europe, I don't think its a good deal for those guys. As someone else mentioned, your "net" gain is probably a loss after taxes and expenses...even if you upgrade a seat. Actually--I don't think 2700 even fixes that, but the equalizaton package probably helps. Hong Kong has lower taxes, but a VERY challenging environment. You are going to ride a bus to work...somewhere between 2 and 5 hours depending on who you believe and traffic conditions. Ditto on the RTB. I think the STVs were the "insurance policy" for the company that if things got tough we'd still move the freight.
Maybe I'm just a goofball, but I don't see the romance in hub-turning through China, riding the bus, and then taking the hit on the pay too. The taxes won't be unreasonable there without the LOA, but the high cost of living and tough working conditions might just suck the joy right out of that job.
So--I know its a dead horse--but (besides Prezbear who has made his case clear and who's input I respect) is there anyone who wants to bid these domiciles and wants me to change my vote to "yes"? Are there any of you who will go to CDG or HKG regardless of the LOA vote if you can hold it?
I know our little sample size here is somewhat small--but I am interested in the opinions and insights.
And for what its worth--all of us want these FDAs to work--and we want our crews taken care of. While we "discuss" what we think is the best way to do this, we might want to remember we really are on the same team here.
And Kudos to the bros who at least reduced the STVs...even if the whole concept is still irksome you cannot argue that reducing it to 30 days from 90 makes the prospect of going over much less daunting. I don't like the trip rig ramifications--but we can fight more about that later. Who here really wants to go to CDG or HKG?
I don't thing we'll fill the domciles as easily as they think we will. (standard disclaimer--wrong before, will be again...) However, Subic was good deal financially for the guys who went, even without an LOA, because of tax savings, low cost of living, and rapid upgrades. The hub was close to the living area, and getting to work was much less difficult than we'll face in Hong Kong.
The new FDAs present a different environment. CDG sounds fun, but when you price out going to Paris without the LOA and being subject to taxes in Europe, I don't think its a good deal for those guys. As someone else mentioned, your "net" gain is probably a loss after taxes and expenses...even if you upgrade a seat. Actually--I don't think 2700 even fixes that, but the equalizaton package probably helps. Hong Kong has lower taxes, but a VERY challenging environment. You are going to ride a bus to work...somewhere between 2 and 5 hours depending on who you believe and traffic conditions. Ditto on the RTB. I think the STVs were the "insurance policy" for the company that if things got tough we'd still move the freight.
Maybe I'm just a goofball, but I don't see the romance in hub-turning through China, riding the bus, and then taking the hit on the pay too. The taxes won't be unreasonable there without the LOA, but the high cost of living and tough working conditions might just suck the joy right out of that job.
So--I know its a dead horse--but (besides Prezbear who has made his case clear and who's input I respect) is there anyone who wants to bid these domiciles and wants me to change my vote to "yes"? Are there any of you who will go to CDG or HKG regardless of the LOA vote if you can hold it?
I know our little sample size here is somewhat small--but I am interested in the opinions and insights.
And for what its worth--all of us want these FDAs to work--and we want our crews taken care of. While we "discuss" what we think is the best way to do this, we might want to remember we really are on the same team here.
And Kudos to the bros who at least reduced the STVs...even if the whole concept is still irksome you cannot argue that reducing it to 30 days from 90 makes the prospect of going over much less daunting. I don't like the trip rig ramifications--but we can fight more about that later. Who here really wants to go to CDG or HKG?
07-26-2007, 03:37 PM
#14
On Reserve
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Position: gear puller
Posts: 13
Albie,
I agree with your assessment. I have been going through ewr this week and everyone seems to be against it, but said when they go through MEM, most people are for it. I haven't been to MEM to gauge the feelings. What is the scoop there?
I agree with your assessment. I have been going through ewr this week and everyone seems to be against it, but said when they go through MEM, most people are for it. I haven't been to MEM to gauge the feelings. What is the scoop there?
07-26-2007, 03:59 PM
#15
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,838
Originally Posted by fdxmd11fo
RedEyE, how would we have any more leverage if the Chicoms shoot this down after we approve it? When the company gets govt approval we have already accepted Fedex's offer.
If anything Fedex would come back with less. They only need 50%+1.
If we approve it now how do we get more later?
If anything Fedex would come back with less. They only need 50%+1.
If we approve it now how do we get more later?
07-26-2007, 04:23 PM
#16
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 8,047
I have a simple solution if only you are senior enough to hold it.
Don’t bid an FDA just do consecutive 90 day STVs. Sure you lose the $2700 but you gain free rent (6K/M), free maid service(600/M), free McPaper(.75/D) and per diem (~75/D). Your hotel room will be small but you can’t expect the same standard of living (and it is better for the environment).
Other advantages:
Free travel once a quarter for you and your significant other to visit the dog (or horse) you left Stateside. Not every 2 years like the enhanced package.
Spend a Tax Year there and you can get the exclusion without paying the Frogs or ChiComms their share. Sorry you’ll have to do your own taxes.
Got kids? Have them watch the suite life on Disney Channel; they’ll beg you to go.
No worries about getting transportation to the FEDEX bus stop.
No waiting for a bid to come home.
I am sure there are more plusses but they escape me now.
Disclaimer: please consult an accountant before claiming Foriegn income exclusion.
Don’t bid an FDA just do consecutive 90 day STVs. Sure you lose the $2700 but you gain free rent (6K/M), free maid service(600/M), free McPaper(.75/D) and per diem (~75/D). Your hotel room will be small but you can’t expect the same standard of living (and it is better for the environment).
Other advantages:
Free travel once a quarter for you and your significant other to visit the dog (or horse) you left Stateside. Not every 2 years like the enhanced package.
Spend a Tax Year there and you can get the exclusion without paying the Frogs or ChiComms their share. Sorry you’ll have to do your own taxes.
Got kids? Have them watch the suite life on Disney Channel; they’ll beg you to go.
No worries about getting transportation to the FEDEX bus stop.
No waiting for a bid to come home.
I am sure there are more plusses but they escape me now.
Disclaimer: please consult an accountant before claiming Foriegn income exclusion.
07-26-2007, 06:53 PM
#17
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,336
Now THAT is a fantastic idea for an empty nester and a single guy
Originally Posted by FDXLAG
I have a simple solution if only you are senior enough to hold it.
Don’t bid an FDA just do consecutive 90 day STVs. Sure you lose the $2700 but you gain free rent (6K/M), free maid service(600/M), free McPaper(.75/D) and per diem (~75/D). Your hotel room will be small but you can’t expect the same standard of living (and it is better for the environment).
Other advantages:
Free travel once a quarter for you and your significant other to visit the dog (or horse) you left Stateside. Not every 2 years like the enhanced package.
Spend a Tax Year there and you can get the exclusion without paying the Frogs or ChiComms their share. Sorry you’ll have to do your own taxes.
Got kids? Have them watch the suite life on Disney Channel; they’ll beg you to go.
No worries about getting transportation to the FEDEX bus stop.
No waiting for a bid to come home.
I am sure there are more plusses but they escape me now.
Disclaimer: please consult an accountant before claiming Foriegn income exclusion.
Don’t bid an FDA just do consecutive 90 day STVs. Sure you lose the $2700 but you gain free rent (6K/M), free maid service(600/M), free McPaper(.75/D) and per diem (~75/D). Your hotel room will be small but you can’t expect the same standard of living (and it is better for the environment).
Other advantages:
Free travel once a quarter for you and your significant other to visit the dog (or horse) you left Stateside. Not every 2 years like the enhanced package.
Spend a Tax Year there and you can get the exclusion without paying the Frogs or ChiComms their share. Sorry you’ll have to do your own taxes.
Got kids? Have them watch the suite life on Disney Channel; they’ll beg you to go.
No worries about getting transportation to the FEDEX bus stop.
No waiting for a bid to come home.
I am sure there are more plusses but they escape me now.
Disclaimer: please consult an accountant before claiming Foriegn income exclusion.
07-27-2007, 02:08 AM
#20
Line Holder
Joined APC: Mar 2007
Posts: 99
Cherry Pickin'
For those who may consider bidding/voting for this POS.
I just drank a few beers with a Cathay Pacific crew. Of course the FDA LOA offer came up for discussion.
Their Capt (former USN) pretty well made me embarassed when he told me that his housing allowance is.....drum roll please....
$12,000 per month. US Dollars, if anyone neded clarification.
To spend as he darn well pleases.
Obviously, I am not on a Company or Union funded fact finding junket. I just happened to talk to someone who is walking the walk!
I just drank a few beers with a Cathay Pacific crew. Of course the FDA LOA offer came up for discussion.
Their Capt (former USN) pretty well made me embarassed when he told me that his housing allowance is.....drum roll please....
$12,000 per month. US Dollars, if anyone neded clarification.
To spend as he darn well pleases.
Obviously, I am not on a Company or Union funded fact finding junket. I just happened to talk to someone who is walking the walk!
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