That's rich coming from the Delta-types of the new millennium.

Tell you what...don't do a house of cards collapse when Fred sends out another bluff letter and lower the bar for us this time...keep extending if you please. We'll do the heavy lifting...again.

Everything you have is a gift from Fred...simple fact.

 

I don't belong to ALPA because I think we have more political pull than the various industry groups. In fact, I shudder to think of the difference between what the ALPA-PAC spends versus what mgt spends. As to FDX, I'd venture a guess that Fred lobbying in the seats at FedEx Field is more effective than the donations FDX pilots give to the PAC.

I belong to ALPA for access to the medical department, for another set of eyes tracking my pension. AND, most importantly, for legal defense. IF the company fires me because I elected to wear a Christmas tie outside of the "permitted" periods, then I know I don't have to pony up the bucks for representation fighting to get my job back.

ALPA is not EF Hutton. ALPA-PAC does have a seat at the table a bit closer than IPA...but, just because something makes sense or is logical doesn't mean Congress is going to listen to it. In fact, sometimes I get the impression that being logical hinders rather than helps when dealing with the Govt.

 

Tell you what, how about you guys figure out your internal issues first and figure out who you want on your MEC before you come pointing fingers at the IPA.

 

Pointing fingers? Really? Reread this thread, Sport. The only finger pointing going on here is at FDX ALPA, and it's been with your middle finger.

 

Hello Pot, this is Kettle. Seems to me from the posts I read your house hasn't been the living in wedded bliss either.

Remind me again why the UPS and FedEx guys are going at each other.

 

Cause our union is working on making things better while your continues to pass the buck. From reading your threads seems like you guys need to clean your own house before your ready to join any fight.

 

You are really winning friends and influencing people there Shaggy.

 

I noticed that you did not quote the part of my post that address the fact that your house isn't so clean either.

 

Just got this in my inbox from a friend over at Big Brown. Was posted recently on their internal bulletin board.

Guys,

I have been made aware of some frustrations being exchanged between supposed IPA and FedEx ALPA pilots over on the public APC Forum. I encourage all IPA members to refrain from establishing any ill will between our two Associations, especially when our collective efforts are needed in addressing the issues facing us all.

The IPA and our colleagues at FedEx ALPA have established a cooperative working relationship over the past year. We (the pilots of UPS and FedEx) share many of the same concerns that currently face our industry in general and cargo in particular. The new Flight Time/Duty Time rule and the subsequent carve-out of cargo airlines from that rule should trouble us all. Pilot Fatigue does not discriminate. Whether boxes or passengers are carried behind us, the dangerous effect of fatigue poses an equal threat to aviation safety.

ALPA is choosing to pursue a legislative track in attacking the problem. The IPA has elected to fight the battle both legislatively and legally. We jointly seek the same objective. FedEx MEC Chairman Scott Stratton and I have recently discussed joining our efforts during recent meetings together in Washington D.C. Those discussions continue and the IPA welcomes opportunities to work jointly together with FedEx ALPA and our friends at CAPA in achieving a successful outcome to this misguided and inequitable application of the new safety rule to our industry. We are a stronger voice together than individually.

It is easy to let the distractions of these challenging issues morph into internal strife among our groups. Let’s resist turning inward on one another out of frustration over what is surely another uphill battle for cargo pilots. As I have mentioned before, turning back yet another attempt (remember TCAS in the 1990’s) at a cargo carve-out may seem like a David vs. Goliath endeavor against the significant lobbying power of the cargo industry. But together, we (the IPA, CAPA and FedEx ALPA) are on the side of angels on this issue which in turn serves to remind us that that in the end, David did slay the giant !

Remain United,

Bob Travis
IPA President

 

Exactly what in the "actual" new rules would drive this change in your schedules?

(There was a lot of talk "before" the "actual" new rules came out, which suggested commuting could become more limited/difficult, but I don't believe any of those limitations (i.e. max # of consecutive night hub turns) made it into the final verbiage)

Do your sources in "manpower planning" work for the IPA or management??