We're not the only game in town these days. Only a fool would go to the right seat of a narrow body in Hong Kong, and it's high time The Company realizes that.

We have selfish, shortsighted tendencies, and that's why FDA LOA 1.0 was what it was. If we want the next iteration to be equally inadequate, we need to bid with a short term, greedy view -- disregard the greater good or long term benefits.

If we want to make a positive impact, we need to sharpen our distant vision and bid smartly.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch (negotiating table) ... What do you think about The Company's proposal to freeze the "A"-plan?

What do you think about The Company using our B-777 jumpseats in lieu of commercial airlines to deadhead pilots?

Yepp, 4 years into negotiations and we're still fighting these battles. End game of contract negotiations? Not even close.

Were you counting on raising the " A"-plan cap? Think again. We're getting murdered at the Negotiating Table, and we're not even watching.

It's hard to jeep your eye on the ball when there are so many balls in the air, but we have to.






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No that horse is not dead, some of you guys just don't care because you are not affected.

Geez Tony I didn't realize you were on the negotiating committee:) Just because the company is putting that crap out doesn't mean our negotiating committee is entertaining it. Or do you now something the rest of us don't know? If you do, maybe this isn't the best forum for that. Just my two centavos.

All the more reason for everyone to enjoy some time off.

I don't know. What do you know? Have you read the MEC Meeting minutes? Did you know the MEC entertained the idea of deadheading pilots on the Triple 7, and that several of our elected reps actually voted FOR it?

When was the last time you spoke to your block rep? Mine has already stopped answering questions via e-mail, and will likely stop taking my phone calls soon.

My Council Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer published a communication today decrying The Company's proposal to end ("freeze", stop contributing to, whatever you want to call it) our "A" plan, but my rep apparently feels differently because he refused to sign it. Unity by example. Not.

I'm just doing what I'm asked to do, staying informed.






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I'm not in your council, so I didn't get the memo. As far as your rep not signing, maybe he didn't agree. Good for him that he didn't just rubber stamp something that he might have had a problem with. BTW Tony, I did hear about some of what was brought to our MEC, but that's part of their job. If they send out a TA with that crap, then of course we have a problem. Just because they are looking at proposals that the company sends does not mean they agree with them. It's their responsibility to negotiate. But you know that Tony, you just don't agree with how it's being done. Of course you have every right to express your opinion, but that's all it is.

It's on the website, see if you disagree.

https://fdx.alpa.org/Home/Content/Co...e-10-6-14.aspx





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Interesting timing. "A" plan freeze idea is leaked, huge excess, peak is almost here and we continue the circle jerk that negotiations have become. While I don't think they are this Machiavellian, one has to wonder.

They can work their manning models based on everyone retiring at 65, pretty easy equation. But how do you predict your manning when we have 800 who can retire today, tomorrow, next week, next month, etc. Could they be trying to push some to show their hands? Change the retirement, excess you and make you go to training, just get tired of all the continual crap? Time to retire and move on with life.

But I have to wonder about the short term. We are already riled up, I can't see this helping anybody's desire to "help out" going into peak.

Am I over thinking this or am I missing something...or is it time to refill my glass Bordeaux?

[QUOTE=YYESIAV8;1741428]Interesting timing. "A" plan freeze idea is leaked, huge excess, peak is almost here and we continue the circle jerk that negotiations have become. While I don't think they are this Machiavellian, one has to wonder.

They can work their manning models based on everyone retiring at 65, pretty easy equation. But how do you predict your manning when we have 800 who can retire today, tomorrow, next week, next month, etc. Could they be trying to push some to show their hands? Change the retirement, excess you and make you go to training, just get tired of all the continual crap? Time to retire and move on with life.

But I have to wonder about the short term. We are already riled up, I can't see this helping anybody's desire to "help out" going into peak.

Am I over thinking this or am I missing something...or is it time to refill my glass Bordeaux?[/QUOTE]

You're not over-thinking this. Peak has the potential to be WAY ugly. But I'm sure the calendar-blocking, draft-accepting independent contractors among us will not be going without.

Have you talked to your block rep lately? If you had, you would know that it's good information.