cargo pilot "Unity" myth
 

We cargo pilots love talking tough about our Unity. But the reality is that for every 5 Team Players, we have 5 Individualists. That's a fact everyone likes to dance around. Unless a truly compelling force drops everyone's jaw in outrage, like a furlough announcement or an attempt to take our pension away, there's just not enough incentive for the average line pilot to join hands with the Bolshevik wing of the union. So the next time I hear about 100% unity at UPS or Fedex, I think I'm gonna unfold a sick bag.

he probably wrote this while he was in his hotel on his draft trip!!!!

Where would you like me to send that sick bag?





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"I think I'm gonna unfold a sick bag."

He may just be expressing an opinion relative to our weak position vis a vis
our TA. No grin.

TH1

We have a TA? That's news to me.





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I'm not at Fedex, Tony.

You Fedex av8ers now have more unity than we do at UPS. Sad to admit it. Still, I think there are as many individualists at FDX as at UPS, not to mention the many former scabs you have, which is the point in my post. Unity in 2006 is a joke. Your getting a contract has everything to do with our T/A and nothing to do with your actions out on the line.

Yes and no, if we get a TA soon it will be because of the UPS TA, USPS contract extension and I also believe that our parking of some jets has something to do with it. I think our unity here at Fedex is the best I've seen in the 11 years I've been here, but we still have that 10-15% that believe it's all about them and how much they can make. It's frustrating, but that will never change. We will always have some independent contractors. My 2 cents worth.

I agree your TA helps immensley. However, we have had to park jets due to crew members refusing draft and volunteer trips. That effects the "bottom line" and that is what FedEx understands. Believe me our crew unity is noticed and scares the hell out of the bean counters.

I've never heard of this before in reference to cargo pilots, but it sounds like pure spin. Every labor group wants unity, but in an industry where the senior employees operating the largest equipment earn 5 or 6 times as much money as the average person it simply doesn't lend itself to people holding themselves out for any career risk. You have to admit, even if concessions were negotiated, our senior folks would still be pretty well off in relation to the rest of the world. Talk is cheap, actions are expensive. Don't fool yourself, it's only about money.

Merely my opinion.

Oh, I see. Thanks for setting me straight on the "who's on what team" roster.


As tempting as it may be, I'm going to resist the urge to return your attempt at a potshot with a volley of corresponding negativity. We're focusing on the postive here - - and it's working.



And we really appreaciate the support we're getting from the majority of our brothers at UPS.



:)




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