Just thinking how UPS operates. Could this all be to reduce Training, moving costs? Wishful Thinking, I know. UPS announces the Furlough, they then implement Art.14. They chose where everyone goes and this greatly reduces training, moving, and logistical costs. Big Time.

Then after the RIF bid closes, they get some minimal crumbs from the IPA, and they cancel the furlough. They save face. And they just moved everyone where they wanted to and saved big bucks.

 

They could. But in a word NO. This is not about the little figure they threw out for us to chase after. They want the contract and mark my words - they will get what they want. I appreciate all the chest beating, 100% IPA, don't open the contract. Great intentions.......but guess what. Like it or not the contract will be open in less than two years. Negotiating a contract in a what most likely will be a weak economy with 100's of guys on the street................sorry but if we ever get called back I am pretty sure it won't be to the contract we left behind.

 

Retriever. Put down your pipe or whatever your smokin. I don't know how long you've been here, but let me put it plainly.

THE CONTRACT WILL NOT BE OPENED. PERIOD.

And I must educate you on the RLA. Contracts never expire. Never. They are amended. We don't have to even talk to the bozo's until 1/1/2012. Then we talk about Catering, Uniforms, etc. for the first 2 years. Just like every airline contract for the past 30 years does. No meaningful talks will take place until all Furloughees are back by over a year or more. So this talk of negotiating from weakness is BS.

 

Urlough or not we will be lucky to keep our hourly rates and minimum guarantee and the EB knows and has stated such.

 

Hourly rates or our guarantee has never been spoken by our EB. Or by our Prez. He said we will be lucky to keep what we have. Nothing specific about Hourly or our guarantee. And what was said during a stump speech, and what is said in 2014-2015, are polar opposites.

 

Maybe we just need to drag out the negotiations.....

I don't see how we can't keep the rates and guarantee...they are making boatloads of money. What's going to be their rationale?

 

There is a fundamental difference this time around. In the past, UPS was the one's dragging their feet. This time it will be the IPA dragging their feet. It is possible that UPS will be able to pressure the NMB to declare an impasse sooner than what we have experienced in the past. In this scenario, the choice to strike may come sooner rather than later.

 

That would be a neat trick *IF* UPS needs the pilots after a short furlough of only the first 54...

 

Copied form our contract:

This Agreement shall be in full force and effect from the date it is signed by the parties consistent with the Letter of Agreement on Implementation to and including the amendable date of December 31, 2011


What I am smoking is a big dose of REALITY. Maybe you should take time to actually READ my post there Commando. I never stated anywhere in my post that our contract expires. I have worked under the RLA for 13 years now so I am familiar. I have also been on strike under the RLA. You???? Anyway, last time I checked my basic math skills Dec 31st 2011 is less than two years away. So yes, your precious contract will be OPENED and amendable in less than two years like it or not. As far as how the negotiations go.......you have your opinion I have mine. All I can say is yours is an easy one to have as you continue to collect your paycheck.

 

The NMB now has two of the Three members appointed by pro-labor Dems. The last 20 years or so it's been two to one the other way. I don't see the NMB releasing anyone early. Have you watched the Contracts during the last 10 years? ASA, Pinnicle, NetJets, ExpressOne, AMR(Pilots, FA's, Mech.), etc., etc.

All take a minimum of 36 months. Some over 60 months to get an amendment.
We will be Striking or Voting on a Better/Industry leading Contract in 2015 at the earliest.