Where is FDX ALPA?
 

After reading last weeks issue of the Full page advertisement in the USA Today concerning the NPRM, I was wondering where is FDX ALPA?

This is a huge issue that only comes around every 30 years it seems. To update rest rules sounds like it would be right up the wheel house for FDX ALPA.

But FDX it seems is silent? Any reason why? A cargo cutout of the NPRM it would seem is a very important issue for the FDX pilots?

Just seems strange there has been no public response from FDX pilots.

The IPA has been very active with this fight. I only hope that ALPA is as involved. You're right, FDX pilots should be demanding action:
Nov 14, 2011
IPA Meets With White House OMB

Representatives of the IPA and former NTSB Chairman Jim Hall met today with officials from the White house Office of Management and Budget. The Association called the meeting to address concerns that cargo industry lobbyists are pressuring the White House to exempt cargo pilots from a pending FAA pilot Flight and Duty Time rewrite.
“It is totally unacceptable to have two standards, two differing safety rules, one for passenger pilots and the other for cargo,” said Chairman Hall. “The IPA has been a consistent and strong voice on this issue,” he added.
IPA President Bob Travis, Negotiation Team Leader Lauri Esposito, and General Counsel Bill Trent joined Hall in meeting with OMB officials at the White House Conference Center.
“Jim provided the OMB with a much needed historical timeline on this issue,” said Travis. “But what we are up against is clear-the very considerable lobbying resources of the cargo industry.”
Esposito, who met with the OMB in August, provided the Office further data refuting cargo operator claims of excessive costs that would flow from the application of the NPRM to the industry.
“Of all the industry operators, cargo carriers are the most financially equipped to comply with any new rule.” Esposito served on the FAA Labor and Industry group recommending the new rules.
Trent explained that while the FAA’s NPRM flows from a congressional mandate, Agency rulemaking is still subject to the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). That law, Trent said, requires the OMB to perform a cost benefit analysis of any proposed new regulation.
“The White House, via the OMB, gets the final say on this proposed FAA Rule,” said Trent. “That’s why we have concentrated our efforts on the OMB throughout this process.”
“It comes down to essentially a political call by the White House and that’s why we are here today,” said Travis. “Cut out or not, we are here today with Chairman Hall to send a clear and strong safety message to the administration on the eve of this important decision.”

Everything I have heard directly from the FDX MEC is that we are very much involved in lobbying against a cargo cutout version of the NPRM, and for the NPRM to be released ASAP.

Our MEC is very involved. Do you get their emails? Did you read SS's email today?

Have also heard that UPS has a big time lobbying group that is pushing hard for the cargo cutout, and sadly, it's working. It seems like safety might be for sale.

To our MEC's knowledge, FDX does not have a lobbying campaign for the cargo cutout.

However, although I am always for safer rest rules, I have wondered if this NPRM might have unintended consequences for us at FDX and UPS, specifically, and maybe other cargo outfits too.

My concern is a possible negative effect on week on/week off schedules and on the commuters' lifestyle, to name two. Your thoughts?

CS, I have the same two concerns you have.

You've got to be kidding me.

I too am all for better rest rules and safety in general...... as long as it doesn't effect my week-on / week-off day flying.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Sounds like the response that was given to Fred Smith, many years ago, when at one of the Wednesday night pilot meetings, he suggested that all the pilots wanted was to earn over $200K a year, while only working Thursdays. One of our pilots responded: Yes, Fred, but not EVERY Thursday.

FedEx guys, check your Emails today if you are wondering where FedEx ALPA is.

Time for us to step it up.

I got lot's of emails today from FDX Alpa as well as Alpa national concerning this very topic!... We've got to step up to the plate now!

Z