NightBusDriver

That's the weakest comeback post I've ever seen.
Mama always said "Stupid is as stupid posts!" But enough about Browntail's distractions to the real thread here...

Herein lies the bottom line! Status quo, ops normal, watching from the sidelines ... these are no longer viable options. FedEx cannot operate with the pilot group operating at 100% (much less "with or without" us). Realize that fact and you'll truly see the contribution we make to the bottom line. We always go the extra mile without thinking twice about it. So why can't they recognize that and make a worthwhile attempt at negotiating? Because they look into their "crystal ball" and see too many pilots giving the same extraordinary effort during prolonged and heated contract talks.

If you're not happy with the pace of negotiations, don't blame the union; instead, help light a fire under the membership. Management looks right past the union's officers, committees and volunteers and takes the pulse of the membership. Stop going the extra mile if you want to make a statement. "SAY NO" to VLT, DRF and VACBB ... take the scheduled deadheads, fly the flight plan routing, trip trade within your awarded BLG/RLG (minimize increasing your SOF bank), whatever. But stop doing more than 100% until we get a deal!
I couldn't agree more. ALPA can't issue you a checklist on what you should or shouldn't do. Simply paying your dues doesn't cut it. Membership in a union comes with another price ... active involvement. Ask yourself one simple question, "Am I doing everything I can to help this pilot group gain an improved contract?"

The writing is on the wall. If you choose to ignore it, don't blame ALPA.

FoxHunter

How could I blame ALPA? I knew what we were getting when you guys voted it in.

Look at the OPEN Time and you will see the level of support ALPA has earned. Looks like very few are listening to the opinions voiced on this board.

Any pilot age 55 or above would be a fool not to accept draft/VLT or sell their vacation if they do not have their high five yet. Nothing that ALPA can deliver will make up for what they will lose long term. Actually anyone over the age of 45 would probably be a fool not to make hay today because rain may be in the forcast.

ALPA was voted in with it's "deep pockets", "powerful resources", experience. Seems like the only ALPA people with deep pockets are the FedEx crew force. Will ALPA ever be able to sign a contract with FedEx? not sure! They tried in 95'-96', failed and got booted off the property. Seems to be heading that way again.

My guess is that a large majority of the pilots are happy. Some day have a ALPA contract but less and less sure as time goes on.

FX Bone Guy

FoxHunter, I guess you haven't heard that we need to stick together as a pilot group in order for this thing to come to a close. When an over 55 pilot wants to be a who**, he does so at the expense of the rest of the pilot group. Any pilot that say's "I've got mine" is a sad, sad reflection of our pilot group. I hope we will rise together - and get above selfishness, stick together, and get this contract behind us. After that, feel free to do all the draft, volunteer, and VBB you want.

When the next contract negotiations come, do you want to be in a group of guys retiring between now and then to be remembered as the group that screwed up this contract for us, or do you want to be part of a long standing profession - a group of guys and girls that will stick up for what's right - including the retirees - so we stick up for you?

Whether you're trying to get your high five or not, we need everyone to do their share... pull their weight... no free rides!

FoxHunter

When an under 50 guy says, "Hell I know the the age 60 thing is going to change, but I just don't want it to change for another ten years because I want to get rid of those old senior guys", you are not going to get the support of those old guys. The big problem you have is that at FedEx we are talking about 30%+ of the crew force. Why in the world would you think that you would get the support from the older, probably a bit wiser group, when you offer nothing in return. A soon to be retired pilot should take a permanent cut in his pension so you can get a new contract?? ALPA has made it very clear that it does not represent retired pilots.

BrownGirls YUM

Foxhunter is a scab. We already know where his loyalty lies. Those guys closing their schedules and whoring themselves to draft and selling vacation are cut from the same cloth. Treat them accordingly. Anyone who doesn't get it at this point, never will.

Ranger

You described me. And I am not doing draft, volunteer or VBB. Why? Because it's the right thing to do. It's that simple. I still have to fly with the folks that are younger than I am for at least antoher 4 1/2 years and I want to be able to look them in the eye and know that they understand that I did the right thing not just for me but for our entire crew force. I can hear SkyLow laughing at that line already. Sorry. It's who I am. Am I worried about my high five? No and a small yes. It's be nice to hit $260K but I'll be damned if I'm going to kill myself to get there. And as I indicated in another thread, my retirement is my responsibility and it's about 85% in place without FedEx in the equation.

By the way, I think I know who FoxHunter is and I want to assure you that he is not a scab. A little bit misguided maybe, but no scab.

USMCFDX

I am pretty sure I know who FoxHunter is also and he is not a scab. He was member, non-member, and now a member again.

I think he should change his name to Eyore, Winnie The Pooh's friend who is all doom and gloom. But then again what do I know, I am one of those 60 percenters who is younger and not wise enough to know anything.

BrownGirls YUM

If Foxhunter is now a member in good standing, then an apology is in order. I was misinformed.

FoxHunter

You will, some day.

FoxHunter

My schedule is closed due to a problem with the ex-spouse of my wife. Long story, private, but interesting He also happens to be a non-member if that makes you happy.