TonyC

You're entitled to your opinion, but if you state it here, you're going to hear the opposing view. First post - - and a demonstration of an abundance of ignorance of our contract goals. I recommend you spend some time educating yourself on what's really happening - - there are links to get assistance logging on to the ALPA website if you've never done it yet.



Oh, and judging from your Avatar, I'm guessing you weren't around for President Carter.







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MEMFO4Ever

President Jimmy? Wow, you are older than I thought. Funny that you'd hone in my avatar. Cut, you and I were hired within a few months of each other, so don't come off like mister old timer. Glad to see you're not on the Boeing anymore.

Everything in business is always about money. More time off at this company means less money, less time off means more money. Decide where you fit in on the scale and live your life. Contracts are contracts; there are other things to worry about. I think you take your time at work a bit too seriously.

Merely my opinion.

Lab Rat

What are you basing unity on, the outcome of the TA vote?

If that is the case, the lack of unity starts with the attitudes of individuals such as yourself. I'm not going to get into which way to vote, but I will say that intimidation and guilt trips targeted against those other than the vocal minority is what brings down unity.

This is the only time that each individual union member is to make a decision (vote yes or no) based on the analysis of the TA and what works or does not work for that individual. To base "unity" solely on the outcome of a democratic process is nothing short of nonsense.

By the way, I would be very interested in knowing how many of the "no" voters are actually going to vote no when push comes to shove.

TonyC

Hey, you took the time to put it there, I thought I'd take the time to look. I put a smiley face there -- I figured you'd understand it was light-hearted ribbing in the same spirit you intended your Avatar. Right?



I'm not sure where you got the impression I was trying to present myself as old anything. I have spent some time trying to educate myself, as I consider the workrules that affect my lifestyle to be exceedingly important. I do not ascribe to the "ignorance is bliss" method of living my life. If that means I happen to be more familiar with the details and processes than the average "let somebody else worry about that" Joe, then so be it.

I also vote in every Primary and General Election. I thereby earn the right to complain when the duly-elected representatives do the wrong thing. IT amazes me how much the "ignorance is bliss" folks will complain about how things are going, but won't take the time to vote against the candidates.


And my opinion is that's nothing more than a cliche - - a tired cliche at that.


Our union has made it clear from the very beginning that there are issues far more important to the pilots than pay rates. Four very specific, fundamantal core issues were developed by intense research and polling of the crewforce to represent those things that WE want most, and will insist on in a ratifiable TA.


Quick.


Do you know what they are?





It was my estimation, based on your "it's all about the money" post, that you either have never heard of them, or you have forgotten them. Therefore, instead of publicly condemning you for your apparent lack of understanding, I pointed you to a place where you can learn about them. It's your choice to avail yourself of that opportunity or not, and your choice to believe them or not.


If you still insist it's only about the money, I believe you'll find yourself in the minority.


And that's merely my opinion.



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dckozak

Your point is well taken; I don't totally agree but there is an element of truth to it. The fact that UPS has a TA before FedEx is a double edged sword, both from our (unions) leadership's position and the companies. Surely as we (at FDX) debate the merits and short comings of (your) TA, our management is obliged to consider it as they make their next proposals. I think if the UPS pilots overwhelmingly ratify your TA, we (at FDX) will see a TA within a week, IMHO. If you just barely pass your TA it will give our negotiators more ammo to use to sweeten (our) positions.
On the other hand if you all turn down your TA, we're all looking at a prolonged battle to see who will get the best contract. I could easily see things getting ugly at FDX over the next couple months. If you barely turn down your TA, a lot of head scratching in both camps at FDX (and I assume UPS) as to where to proceed next.
I guess August 31 will be a (near term) pivotal date for both FDX and UPS pilots, either way our fates are intertwined.

Priority 3

August 31st at 10:00 am EST is when the voting outcome will be announced in the press. I think the result will be a passed T/A, followed by your own T/A within a month or two.

dckozak

Than after all that we can expect from the company (don't know whether it will fly with the union leadership or membership) is, to paraphrase a (very) early Fedex promise (unkept) to the crew force, "UPS plus a nickel"