IF there is a furlough anytime soon, then PC would be a confirmed liar. I would also say that DW would have to know of an impending call for a furlough as well, especially if it's right around the corner. While that wouldn't make him a liar, it would make him guilty of keeping management secrets from the members. Sure, we all that furloughs are possible at some time in the future, but having one anytime soon would be just way too much of a coincidence. For those reasons alone, I have to believe that there is no furlough pending in the next several months.

Isn't PC's daughter like 20 from the bottom of the list?

Section 23.D. Furlough and Recall - Non-Flying Employment Opportunities
A pilot to whom a furlough notice has been issued may compete for available non-flying employment with the Company for which he is qualified for a period of 90 days following the effective date of his furlough or until expiration of the period, if any, during which the pilot is entitled to receive furlough pay, whichever is later. If a pilot is offered and accepts non-flying employment, his pay, working conditions and benefits, including any relocation benefits, shall be determined by Company policies pertinent to that position.

You don't think he's let daddy's little girl go hungry do you. I'm sure there's some position in his office for her to work..

Anyone think this may be the answer to our problems? Hope DW and crew are working on this one.


Section 23.C. Furlough and Recall - Incentive Plan
The Company may, at its option, elect to avoid or mitigate a furlough by offering pilots or a specific group of pilots (using age or seniority, unless the Association consents to an alternate selection criteria) voluntary early retirement and/or severance package. If made to a specific group of pilots, any offer shall be made on a uniform and non-discriminatory basis. The Company shall notify, meet and consult with the Association prior to making any offer pursuant to this paragraph.

EXACTLY!!!! I am going to start dusting off my box throwing technique!

I've started practicing for my new job ...

"Would you like fries with dat?" They say they will even give me a name tag that says "Crew Member." :D:D:D

I wonder if my legacy airline buds will let me and my family move in under the bridge with them?

Just from personal experience at 2 Brand x's. I was given 2 days notice of furlough via certified mail.

Now here @ FDX with our contract under section 4 and 23: My guess the company would give at least 30 days (1 bid period) notice minimum, but probably more.

The company will have to notify us first (via the Union) that they intend to reduce min Bid period guarantees to prevent or Delay any furlough.

After that I suspect they could announce a furlough on Friday at 5:00PM MEM time effective the for Following Monday.

I personally think a Furlough is still along way off and the company is postering. That being said if Oil stays where it is and the economy stays in the toilet.............All bets are off. Look at Gemini, they just announced a furlough effective immediatedly and then Filed for Bankruptcy under Chapter 11. BTW their Probationary Pilots got Fired, not furloughed.

All things considered we are still in good shape financially and I hope it stays that way.

And BTW as far as PC saying we won't furlough, didn't Flight MGT say that CDG wouldn't be cancelled, that is until they announced that it was.

I don't think PC is a liar. Read the section of the contract relating to a reduction in BLG:

Section 4 (A)(2)(b) The minimum bid period guarantee shall be reduced to a minimum of 48/60 CH before any pilot is furloughed. At least a full bid period must follow the announcement of this action. This provision shall only be used to prevent or delay a furlough.

If the company reduces BLG and does not furlough, how does that make PC a liar? Or DW hiding information?

I was at the meeting DW stated that the company had not approached ALPA regarding a reduction in BLG. However, if the company wants to reduce BLG per the contract, it just takes one call.

Think about it. Two months ago the company bought up 700 hours of wide-body pay to make BLG of 68. What have they done for June? July? If the company can save a penny by stating that they are looking at furloughing, but instead reduce BLG to 58 hours (+13), they just saved hundred of thousands of dollars per month for the next two years.

Do the math: 700 hrs * $185 = $129,500
(The $185/hr number is a guess between Captain and F/O pay)

If we are in a down turn for 18 to 24 months: $2,331,000 to $3,108,000 for the time frame enumerated. That is HUGE cost savings for the company. (This isn't counting the 727 buy-up, which is substantially less, but still a factor)

Everyone still will be employed, company provided health care, etc. Just less in the pocket book every month. It just isn't FDX feeling the pain. Have you looked at plant closures around the country? Unemployment rates? Wall Street is losing 60,000 jobs in NYC this year. How many other airlines have shut their doors since January? Or furloughed?

Don't be like the Airbus Captain who stood up at the Hub Turn Meeting and stated that 10% of the pilot force is harming the other 90% and that the bottom 10% need to be relieved of their positions.

Early Retirements
 

At the Hub Turn Meeting DW stated that the company has no interest in early retirement incentive packages. None.

If I remember correctly, DW stated that ALPA did submit ideas/proposals regarding the early retirement and the company is not interested. Why would a shrewd business like FDX pay individuals to "not work" when they can have said individuals work for a lessor amount?

How many non-pilots will have their salary reduced?