Here's a thread to deal with the corrective actions for flying DP's and address union leadership's standard question, "What is your suggestion? What do you want us to do to fix it?"

I understand the concept of firing from a far and just plain throwing rocks. This DP issue is more than that. It's about a unified front being lead from the top to support the SIG. It's not alway's in the best interest of the child never to spank them.. sometimes people just need a smack!

We can beat them up on leadership not doing what we say, that's easy, but let's keep this productive, not a personal assault, . Let's look at this in perspective.

We fly day in and day out, into hazardous environments, data bases out of date into Shanghai, 4 legs through Billings, typhoon's into Subic, not to mention just taxing around in Memphis. Heat of summer, the cold in the winter, that's what we do.... well.

They provide leadership from the building in Memphis. They keep coming up with the same old question for every issue we bring up. They want us to figure out the fix. I'm not buying that. I can provide suggestions but I'm the line pilot, they're the elected leadership... so lead.

Let's help them out with our suggestions, inform them what we do not like, and what we feel is not working, then give them the ball to lead. If they dont' lead, then we'll take other actions. I've been offered the chance to have the ALPA lawyers on the phone while I make my suggestions to the Union Treasurer. Poor leadership technique as far as I'm concerned, guess I struck a nerve.

I guess they want us to fly the trips and provide the answers for problem solving, so start with what we think should be done. Shooting the guys flying dp's isn't going to cut it... so I'll rule that one out already.

ready.... AIM... now fire.

jag

 

I think the first and easy fix is to flag them as DP in open time.. Then NOBODY has any excuse for NOT KNOWING..

 

There isn't much they can do, if people want to fly they will. We have a bunch of greedy SOBs that could care less about anyone but themselves. They will be the first to cross a picket line for sure.

I think we could initially try public ridicule. Let's post the names on the board at AOC, and send out a daily email of anyone that picks up a DP voluntarily. Then it is up to the rest of us to avoid that person like the plague when we are on our free time.

I am on the MD-11, and we have disputed certain two leg international sequences on and off for some time now. In the April bid month, the company has increased this type of flying significantly. It is like saying that the company can offer up this type of flying, even though we know you will dispute it, and the wh0res will keep picking them up anyway. It is a slap in the face to us all, and particularly the SIG.

 

Capt's, keep an eye on the DP fliers. With all that extra flying, the FO's are probably just fine on landings.

 

Educate. I believe that a major education campaign needs to take place. From the union. So, there can be NO doubt as to why, voluntarily, flying a DP hurts the process. What it has done to our schedules. How it would help if the DP's were not picked up. And produce historical examples.

After that education period...those that continue to voluntarily fly DPs will have, absolutely, no excuse. Other than their own greed. And, they can be treated by each individual pilot, appropriately.

As it sits right now...DP fliers can feign ignorance. Or the old, "I'll stop when the union tells me to", excuse. Or, tell themselves that it's just the whackos on APC(proponents of hysteria), that don't want them to fly the DPs. Same as in negotiations. Well, this is no different.

The lawyers are most likely going to say that "the union" can not tell anyone, to not voluntarily fly a DP. Much like they can't tell us, collectively, to not fly draft, volunteer, etc. during negotiations.

They can, and should, however, try to educate the entire crew force on exactly how this process works. And, what effect the DP flyers are having on this process. Put it on Page 1, and put it out often. A major campaign, not just emails.

 

Or, how about this?

Bag tags. That say, "My SIG speaks for me!"

That always seems to work.

WAIT!!! We could picket the houses of DP fliers!!

The ideas are just flying out of me. I have to go pee, I'm so excited.

 

No more of the "its' a personal choice" guidance from our president. Grow some nads and come out and tell everyone it is wrong and it goes against everything we are working for.

 

Here's one I can get behind~

 

Are any of you fine Christian gentlemen aware of all the ramifications of the RLA and what legal ramifications there are if it becomes apparent organized labor is discouraging work outside of self help periods?

There are a LOT of things your union can do for you. There are some things they cannot. Cajoling, pressuring, intimidating, or embarrassing someone and interfereing with their "right to work" is a ticket to spending a lot of your union dues in legal fees after being sued by either the company or a disgruntled worker.

I discussed this very issue with a few guys over lunch one day recently. I KNOW you are paying dues and you want SOMEBODY to DO SOMETHING aboout this. It sounds like a cop out, but the fact is WE CANNOT do anything but encourage each and everyone to support the work the SIG is trying to do. Beyond that--it is up to each of you individually to decide what you need to do.

Every single pilot at FedEX is a college educated, professional aviator. You already KNOW what you should do at certain times and should not do at certain times. I'm sorry as a block rep I cannot walk down through the AOC and call out roll of DP flyers, then line then up against the wall and kick them in their privates. However--the first time I do that--YOU fine folks get to pay for my buffonery. So--if your elected officials hands are tied, then who is responsible for making the case against DPs? I think you know the answer--but you'd rather be civil and have someone else be the "bad cop". Fact is, nobody in the union can play bad cop in this drama. It sucks--but its the law.

My own personal pitch--and several of you have heard me make it--is I encourage guys to work all the extra they want. However, if you are stuck with only DPs left, then pick up a standby instead. I'm not asking a 727 guy to give up 6 hours of pay for the SIG....but would you AT LEAST consider spotting Jim and SIG team 1:30 of pay? Odds are you'll get a trip anyway, so you'll probably still get your 6 hours. I know this doesn't apply to the longer MD-11 trips, but I still see some guys on the 727 regularly picking them up and this is my pitch to them.

 

Don't you have stalls to slop.......