cessnapilot

They say "congratulations," "First, we would like to congratulate every IPA member., "This extraordinary group is once again about to do extraordinary things.", and "We have taken control of the issue, and we are ever so close to being able to claim success."

BUT... We are still a HUGE 33% away from the MOU 2009 target... why the congrats so early??? it might imply that more isn't needed.

cp

viktorbravo

Yeah I dont know. I think they are probably shocked at how many of us participated when only around 800 said they would participate, and almost double that turned out. In all honesty, that is something to be proud of. Most associations dont even have 50% of the membership bother to cast a vote on something. We have over 60% giving up some pay for the betterment of the whole pilot group. (for time off of course)

I wouldnt read anything into it. We are still $13 mil short of getting this thing to fly. Close, but not close enough. I thought we would see around 80%+ but again this is not the 1990's where we would have had it easily. We now have more pilots from more diverse backrounds. Thats going to affect unity no matter how you cut it.

And one more thing (cut me some slack, I'm trying to make the best of this) we are in a poor economy where stuff costs more, the outlook is bleak and many are uncertain of their future after taking a 50% hit on investments, 401K and B-fund money.

All in all, I am disappointed that we didnt get 100% participation (regardless of the dollar figures) but it is what it is.

We all gave it a great effort and I commend each and every one of you that stepped up to the plate for even the smallest contribution. I also commend our leadership for even getting this option on the table for us to consider. They did good.

Hopefully the probable failure of the MOU will not serve to further fractionalize us, but make us stronger in the face of bad times for all of us.

Thanks to everyone that stepped up to the plate.

Now, lets move on and if this is the end, we need to all do our part to get eveyone back on property as quickly as possible. You know what that means......

If this does come to a furlough, I'm sure we will all be on the same page about how to make it a short lived one.

vburgh

Based on the numbers so far, the EB may salvage something out of the projected savings so far, albeit it's short of what IPA promised the company. Proclaiming mission accomplished before the deadline would instantly turn off the fence sitters. Perhaps EB can beat the bushes a little more with an extended deadline, especially from those who fell short of what they promised on the survey! Guess we'll know the value of our union dues in very short order.

FliFast

I have to say VB, I usally agree with your posts and this is no different. I just am pessimistic that if we cant pull on the same end of the rope now that open time ban/JA bans will be waived by many among us.

The economy, albeit tricky to predict by many smart people seems to be bottoming out and maybe even showing signs of recovery. I think the increased fuel charges are going to prolong the recovery though. Hard to argue that in recessionary times that demand for crude has gone up...but that's another thread altogether.

I'm in the bottom 300 and not sure when I'll receive the certified letter but I've enjoyed my 2 1/2 years here. I guess in theory I will be furloughed longer than I've been employed at UPS.

FF

viktorbravo

Ye of little faith. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

Jonathan E

Hi, My first post here.

Why did Miller declare victory? My opinion:

This is all about cracking open the contract.

Without changing the contract, there are 3 possible outcomes:
1- a furlough
2- UPS accepts voluntary MOU with less than the goals
3- no MOU and no furlough

Years ago, I entered our previous IPA offices and noticed some event photos on the wall. BM with Bob Leikites. BM with Rick Barr. BM with then chief pilot Tom Keating. BM golfing with all of the above. There were no photos of Bob with any line pilots. I wonder if these photos exist today.

I think BM is the company's boy. At best he's a collaborator, with endless win-win scenarios, we win - the company also wins. An apple polisher. At worst, he's something else. I believe that it's in the company's best interest that he's still in power when we negioate our next contract. So he will come out the Hero in this, and maybe win his re-election this fall with more than 28% of the total vote.

For example, I don't buy the Bad UPS (Louisville), Good UPS (Atlanta) scenario. Doesn't this sound like Good Cop - Bad Cop?

But maybe the goal is changing our contract, period.
With changing the Contract, there are 2 outcomes:
1- MOU with additional concessions
2- concessions

I know the EB stated that there would be no changing the contract without a vote, however I'm dubious. It's happened before with another MOU involving md-11 IROs. At that time the EB stated no side deals if we voted a contract change down, which we did, and there WAS a side deal.

With over 50% participation in the MOU it's possible that the EB might interpret this as a mandate to make a side deal.

I hope that I'm wrong in my opinions about this. Fly safe.

UPSFO4LIFE

I think there will be some dealing going on this week. UPS would not be wise nor the IPA to walk away from all the voluntary give backs. With that being said, one of your outcomes will not happen. No MOU, no furlough is not going to be an option. I think you will see them accept the MOU and furlough less than 300. They may also agree to not implement the pickup, JA ban. I guess all we have to do now is wait and see.

Freightpuppy

Well, I'm hoping since 2009 and 2010 were close, they will give us a year to get more savings for 2011 and not furlough anyone. Anyone think that will happen??

BTW, anyone that did not even contribute 1 hour of sick should be ashamed of themselves.

Airbum

NO furloughs or no give backs. My understanding of the volunteer program was no one would be furloughed and under that premise I volunteered.

Airbum

Things could be dramatically different in 2 years. I think UPS's options are no furloughs and take the money offered or no deal at all.

The min sick giveback was 10 hours.