It what you get when you let apple autocomplete for you.

"It what you get...." Who or what are you going to blame now?

The company need to rapidly change the agreement = FAILED NEGOTIATION BY UNION (under DW administration)

Sounds like money was left on the table! But since it didn't affect DW and his cronies it was aggressively, rudely, and stated in a condescending manner by DW and cronies as "you will not be senior enough to be awarded STV." If DW felt this strong about the senior pilots gorging themselves on the STV, why did DW negotiate the STV include anything about forcing pilots in reverse seniority order? Why not in seniority order?

Depends on if your a lawyer or not. So the company changing the STV from 3 bid periods (Months) to 1 was first presented to DW & the ALPA Negotiating Committee during negotiations prior to the vote?

Yes, if you bid HK you have as much right to the allowance as someone who uses his bank money for transpiration, parking, etc because they live at the out station. Thought I clearly stated that. I respect you for following the CBA requirements for biding an FDA as you choose to do.

Most don't want anything to do with the FDAs (unless they bid the domicile), but DW administration allowed an FDA to potentially be forced on only the junior portion of the seniority list of MEM domiciled pilots of same aircraft type for 90 days. The inverse STV resets to the junior pilot as soon as they are eligible, thus preventing those senior pilots from being forced into this good deal! SIBA allowed the company to move the freight while allowing pilots the ability to be home with family on days off based on just that bid period.

Please refrain from being condescending in future posts. Even those with a different opinion deserve some mutual respect. This was part of the DW culture I could not stand.

I added the bold portion to emphasis my opinion in the quote below. Not claiming to be a lawyer.

Sounds like a good metaphor for the HRA in C2006.

And none of the money provided by "The Company" was scope penalty payable to ALL union members?

I like the idea of the VEBA HRA being funded by the DSA (much more $). Then the HRA is funded by me and my actions. And not taking money that is obligated by the CBA to all members. Or taking money off the table that could be used to benefit of all members. Similar to the argument senior pilots have stated on here against funding a single pay rate because it results in less money for them.

You requested I google VEBA and I did. If you don't like my choice of results, then provide the information! You made the snarky request, and I executed it within your guidance :D.

Really? There you go again with a condescending attitude, do you fell better?

Even you, as a college-educated pilot use inaccurate terms to reference it.
I ask since, apparently I'm an easily confused, (and possibly) college-educated pilot!:cool:

Is it an HSA as you posted above and I put in bold, or an HRA as stated in the CBA quoted below? Maybe the confusion is from the the CBA, and college-educated pilots, using the term VEBA generically for both the VEBA($0.50/CH) and the HRA. Perhaps using confusing language is on purpose?

I am aware of the two VEBAs.

The first VEBA is the $0.50/CH available to all pilots in retirement after they reach medicare eligibility (after reaching age 65) in the "Post Medicare Health Plan". If the pilot retires prior to age 65 and is not medicare eligible (under age 65), their insurance is the Retiree Group Health plan paid out or their pocket with no $0.50 VEBA to help.

The second VEBA is the HRA ($25,000) provided to those over age 53 before 1 Jan 2007 and retire on or after August 26, 2006. This is a lifetime benefit for a subset of the group.
This money is definitely not from the DSA which we currently lose when we retire.

The HRA VEBA is to help the pilots in a subset of the union members who retired anywhere between age 60 and 65 to cover the cost of the Retiree Group Healthcare Plan cover medical costs until reaching age 65. Then they switch to the Post-Medicare Plan with the $0.50 VEBA.

So in summary all pilots get VEBA, but those 53 and over at a specific date get VEBA and more VEBA. So DW left some brothers/sisters behind. This makes those younger than 53 at the specified date a B SCALE RETIREMENT (VEBA).

The definition of a VEBA states there can be no discrimination, unless it is in a CBA. Posted below is the wikipedia definition. CBA Sec.27.H7.c, quoted above, shows that the union took proactive actions (company did not present this) to ensure there was no possibility of the HRA begin prorated.

Please explain how a new benefit that is applied based on when you retire is illegal? Could the HRA been in a single trust, the similar to the $0.50 VEBA that applied to all pilots on the seniority list, and then used by all pilots if they retire prior to 65? You know something that benefits all pilots on the seniority list! Because if it is illegal to do so, DW should not have agreed to it. Just like...

He protected new hires from something that would hurt him. Perhaps many feel he protected what he had for retirement at the expense of others. AND SHOULD PROVIDE LEADERSHIP BY NOT ALLOWING ANY SPECIAL GROUPS.

I'm just a (possibly) college-educated pilot. Not a retirement lawyer specializing in ERISA law.

No, were FedEx! Which appears to have a little too much of the motto "MBO"!
And you never "spin" your comments?

We didn't negotiate a renewal of the $25,000 VEBA during the "interim agreement"? That's when the rest of us were let down.

Understandable disappointment
 

I think there are some good points in the C2006. Like everyone there is good and bad in contract negotiation.

I much prefer any new HRA be negotiated from the DSA. Pits no one against each other, removes an "impediment to retire", and puts us in control of the DSA/HRA account.

No, we were let down not having it made permanent the first time. They used MY SCOPE MONEY for something that I would never get.

Special deal for special people.

But we have A380 rates so I have that going for me.

Some people think BC is brilliant getting all that hidden money. I guess he did do a brilliant job (hiding it) because I still can't find it. Maybe I should check his brokerage account.

Has anyone here gotten paid for grid penalty events? It's such a high hurdle to get.

Learn from the past!
 

Gunter,
We both agree that DW and his administration did things we disagree with. I have certainly been critical of things I did not like, trying to do it in a factual and unemotional way. We need to be able to discuss the past to learn from it. But ultimately the past needs to stay in the past or the future will be no better! If we as a union are to accomplish anything positive in the future we need to be able to move forward as a team. My posts have been to point out the damage to unity by previous administrations in the hope that we do not return to that caustic style of leadership, or create special groups within our ranks!
In Unity!

I've had two in 8 years. Both were what is probably the most common - my reset layover was altered resulting in a 7 day period without a reset.

The extra 3 CH didn't seem to help my sleep schedule at the time. The only good thing with the grid penalty events is they are automatic. No requirement to submit a pay log. They'll show in your pay summary at the end of the bid period. Probably a good thing since few of us are probably aware we're due one.

@Gunter / @Flying Boxes I too agree not everyone is going to agree with every decision. That's why I am encouraged to see the statements like this from Mike's website:

"We Must Move Forward

We currently have a Hatfield and McCoy mentality in our union. There are very bright people involved in union work today as well as from the previous administrations. We marginalize ourselves when we prevent union participation based on personalities and thus prevent progress. Our most talented, visionary and bold leaders must unite to build the best possible union for our families."

Mike states it well: It is up to us.

I can easily agree with this statement. This discussion was sidetracked by deeds of the past, that are only relevant in learning to move forward AS A TEAM to benefit the TEAM! The team includes everyone member on the master seniority list. :D

Like I said....if one perceives it as a feud, it speaks to state of mind.
I don't think the McCoy's are feudin' with the Hatfields, they just are glad they are not in charge anymore....I suspect that the Hatfields are dern right angry 'bout their explusion, and they been a-feudin ever since.

That being said, if my daughter were to run off with the son of a guy from the last ADMIN, she better do it in another county and never come back.

LJ...thanks for the chuckle. The good news is that should you be one of the talented, bold, visionary leaders Mike will reach out and want you to stay.

Raising kids is tough but rest easy because we will take good care of her.

Flying Boxes,

Despite disagreements on the who, what, when, where, and, most importantly, WHY, of bridges we crossed 6+ years ago, I think we are in complete agreement on what we need to do TODAY.

We DO need to move forward in unity. While we need to understand the mistakes of the past and learn from them, we don't need to keep refighting those battles. It's that attitude that frustrates me the most, and often brings out the sarcasm that you perceive as condescending. I apologize for coming across that way -- it's certainly not my intent.

I think it's clear that Mike is interested in tapping the best talent available, regardless of whose "administration" they served in. Our current MEC Chairman was part of the Webb "administration" as the R&I committee chairman, our Secretary Treasurer was a Block Rep who signed the letter supporting "retroactivity" for our over-60 pilots on the seniority list ... there are plenty of people who have served under both administrations. Frankly, I think the use of the word Administration in this context is misleading. It's not like we have a President and a staff that works for him. WE, the membership, elect the Block Reps, and the MEC Chairman and committees work for the MEC.

So, let's encourage the best and brightest to volunteer for jobs where their talents can accrue to our best benefit, and stop rejecting people based simply on who the MEC Chairman was when they have volunteered before. What's best FOR TODAY and THE FUTURE is what should matter the most, not what we disliked about the past.


I had a long week with only my phone to post, so I feel this post is long overdue. I also like your idea about using Sick Bank money to fund a Health Care VEBA for retirees. I have other ideas about how to use those funds, but your ideas are certainly worth exploring. I'd like to have the ability to announce retirement in advance in exchange for a lump sum payment from those accounts. The more advance notice you give, the larger portion you get. After all, it's compensation we've already earned, and it's on The Company's balance sheet as a liability, why shouldn't we get it? The Company abhors uncertainty, so let's give them an intangible in exchange for cash we've already earned. They can plan the training pipeline, and we can add to our checking account.






.

Hmm, I'm beginning to understand why you keep inviting me to go traipsing off in the woods with you and a long gun. :eek:


If you don't believe there's a feud, you should talk to people who have volunteered for committee work and were rejected because of their "family ties." It's very real, and it's very unhealthy.






.

Mgts Hubris manipulation will lead to UNITY!
 

Tony,
It's never too late to do the right thing. (I hate the feeling that phrase brings out in me now). The true path to building a consensus the whole union can support begins with understanding other's perspective. I was trying to give perspective on the effects of the last contract on unity in hopes that we, FDX ALPA, considers the long term effect of negotiating a contract has instead of just focusing on the short term gain. This career is a marathon. Strong unity comes from benefitting all without any who lose. :D

Apology accepted, I hope you did not feel I was attacking you as a person. You often provide informative and thought provoking posts. I appreciate that you share your knowledge on many subjects germane to our collective lives. I could go without the spin and political bashing of the current administration during contract talks.

My hope is that as the union moves forward, it allows all members to progress in QOL and $. I do not believe in the pie theory that for my piece to become bigger, I must take from someone else's piece!

As for Mike, everyone in his block needs to make their own decision. Mike should not be judged by the decisions of a group, but perhaps he should provide more detail on what his thoughts were versus the MEC that he was a part of instead of generic political babble. ;) As I don't think my opinion is just a small minority.

Just a brief reminder everyone in his LEC needs to make their on decision. We don't really have block reps we have LEC reps. One of the reasons politics triumph over representation.

AMEN!


On his website, he invites anyone who has questions to contact him directly. I imagine if he gets the same question often enough, he can post the answer on his website. Maybe you should give it a try. ;)






.

Fellow ALPA Members,
On the morning of October 31, our management changed the landscape of negotiations by requesting mediation from the National Mediation Board. They made this decision despite the prolonged efforts of our MEC to engage in negotiations using unique concepts intended to produce an agreement between cooperative parties. While I preferred our MEC succeed in these distinctive efforts, that process required an enlightened management and recognition of our contributions to over $8 billion in accumulated net profits for FedEx Corporation over the last 5 years. Unfortunately, current management has squandered this opportunity and now we face the stark reality of going back to the tried, tested, and true process articulated in the Railway Labor Act (RLA). We have been there before and we will once again prevail in protecting and improving our contract because of you. The wall of pilots in front of AOC, around the country, and at our international hubs was clear evidence of your commitment.
We are fighting a phantom bankruptcy. Management seems to be enamored with the idea of adjusting our benefits downward to match that of bankrupted airlines. We cannot allow that to happen and I will work tirelessly to make sure it does not happen on my watch. Thanks to cost-cutting measures initiated by management and diligently implemented by us, our company has experienced record profits and is poised for spectacular growth; Wall Street concurs. However, our contributions to the success of FedEx will only be recognized at the bargaining table when we collectively change the circumstances. The RLA allows us to do just that. Your rights and protections do not change in the process.
We have earned our pension, both the “A”-plan and the “B”-plan. We have earned our healthcare. We have earned the right to protect and improve our quality of life. We have an obligation to protect and improve our future by negotiating on behalf of the next generation of pilots. This contract is about improvements, not concessions. It is about fixing the problems identified since our previous contracts. Success is up to us and I am asking for your vote.
As we are in the final days of this campaign, I also want to say, ‘Thank you!’ Thank you to all who have voiced such strong support. It is humbling to know that my years of union work has made such an impact. My grandfather, father, and uncle were all union leaders in their time, and I am proud to have served in the past; I hope you will allow me to serve once again. I believe my experience as a former ALPA negotiator, a former CPA, and a former elected union representative is valuable. As your Block 11 Representative, I will be part of the leadership team that will successfully complete this contract on our terms.
Please take the time to review my website, Elect Mike for Block 11 and read some of my endorsements listed below. If you are still not convinced I am the best person to represent Council 26 Block 11, please contact me so I can address your issues and concerns and perhaps earn your vote. Voting continues until 0900 central time Monday, November 10 at Air Line Pilots Association, International using your normal login.
We create the circumstances. Success is up to us.
Michael E. Arcamuzi
901-210-0701
[email protected]
Elect Mike for Block 11

Vic Liberti Endorsement:
After being elected a Block Rep years ago, I was strongly advised by ALPA legal to not post anything on social media sites while in office or even after serving. I took that advice but today I'm making an exception.

People get involved in the Union for many different reasons, some have a pet cause, some seek power or recognition, and others (the good ones) want to serve and share their knowledge and experience to better our lives.

The latter group also has character, integrity and honesty at the top of their resume. Mike Arcamuzi is one of those guys and my hope is you elect him as Block 11 Rep.

I met Mike years ago when he was the Block 2 Rep. I had some minor problems and as my Rep, he jumped right on it (probably a waste of his valuable time) and had it resolved. I never said thank you and all I remembered about him was his haircut (typical member).

Well a few years passed, Mike working on the MEC got us a contract and then decided to step down. I am a big believer in term limits and that got my respect. He finished his job and he moved on. I decided to run for Block 2 Rep to replace him. As the campaign began I asked Mike for his endorsement, he looked me straight in the eye and said no, he favored the other candidate. He could have blown me off with some political correct answer and did nothing, that's what most political people would have done. Not Mike, he showed character and although I was disappointed, he earned my respect.

I was elected and a few years passed, some of you might remember the story of a crew detained in Almaty, well I was the Captain. Phone service being what it is in Almaty I could not contact my family. The only call I got through was to Jack Lewis (Chief Pilot at the time). Jack contacted the Union and my wife got a call explaining everything, not from a Block Rep, or the MEC Chairman, but from Mike. Our family will never forget that.

I could go on and on about all the committees Mike served on and all the time he volunteered to better our lives but I'm sure that's been put out somewhere else.

Political views always differ. I am very conservative, Mike is quite liberal, but in the end, honesty and character are what makes a leader. Mike was there for the last contract, let's put him there for this one.

Regards,
Vic Liberti

Former Block 2 Rep and Council 22 Chairman


Captain John Whitehead Endorsement:
Fellow ALPA members:
When I first transformed from a staunch anti-union person to someone accepting the need to organize here at FedEx, I was not sure where to start and who to trust. Through mutual friends, I was introduced to Mike Arcamuzi via telephone. We met face to face while I was on a layover in Chicago (where Mike was living at the time). I found Mike to be a realist. He was not anti-company. He was not a single minded ALPA man. He was not emotional about the issues the pilots faced. Instead, he was very business-like in his understanding of FedEx history, its culture, and what had changed at that point to bring us to discuss a union. He saw things for how they really were, not how he wished them to be. As we shook hands to say goodbye, Mike offered his personal services and he handed me a check for $500 as seed money towards the organizing effort. He put his money where his mouth was.
As time passed, Mike followed up on his promise to help. He never sought the spotlight. His goal was strictly to do the work necessary in whatever manner was appropriate.
I have the utmost respect and trust in Mike. He is a bright fellow, unashamed of his support for the FedEx pilots and their contribution the company bottom line. He will work to create compromise where appropriate yet he can make the difficult, unemotional decisions when those events present themselves. Those are essential attributes of a true leader.
Mike has a clear vision of how FedEx management operates from his job as a long time line pilot and from prior union work. He also understands the delicate balance between butting heads with management and the need to protect our customers – the people that make our paycheck (and management's) possible.
Please take the time to read and learn about Mike at his blog Elect Mike for Block 11. I think you'll find he is an open book, willing and ready to step up to the task of representing you and your family at the MEC level. Mike has my complete support.

John Whitehead
Capt. MD-11


Captain Jack Anzur Endorsement:
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am writing to recommend that you vote for Mike Arcamuzi as Block-11 Representative. I've known Mike for over twenty five years and have worked with him in leadership positions at ALPA-1, the FPA and ALPA-2. Mike's intelligence, integrity, drive and dedication to improve the lives of FedEx pilots and their families make him the best choice.

More significantly there are three areas that clearly make Mike's election critical as we move deeper into contract negotiations.

Firstly, Mike has over thirty years of history working in leadership and critical decision making positions within our union. The importance of this cannot be over emphasized. History gives an individual perspective, judgment and the ability to weigh issues more broadly. With few exceptions individuals currently serving on the MEC lack history.

Secondly, Mike brings negotiating experience to the MEC. He has sat at the negotiating table across from management. Simply put, this isn't his first rodeo. Many of the tactics currently being used by management are rehashes of things they've tried in the past. Having a negotiating background gives Mike invaluable insight that no other MEC member possesses.

Thirdly, Mike understands Retirement and Insurance. He has dealt with complex R&I issues while serving as an elected representative and as R&I chairman. Again, no other MEC member has this background and understanding. Mike understands the importance of a blended approach to retirement containing both defined benefit and defined contribution plans (as both have strengths and weaknesses). He understands that management can and must be challenged regarding their interpretations of regulations which affect our retirement plans. He understands the importance of strengthen and protecting these plans through solid negotiations, legislative changes and lobbying efforts.

In closing, I urge you all to vote for Captain Mike Arcamuzi. He brings in-depth background, judgment and strength of character we need at this critical time.

Captain Jack Anzur
( Former, Chairman Local Council-07, Block-1 Representative, R&I Chairman, Chairman ALPA National Strategic Planning committee for Negotiations and R&I, Chairman P2P, Secretary/Treasurer)

Captain Wally Huggins Endorsement:
Fellow ALPA members:
Having departed an MEC officer's position several years ago, I have consciously tried to remain distant from the politics and drama of the MEC. Being relatively senior and definitely older has aided that effort. It's just a fact I don't have as much to lose or gain as a First Officer with thirty years to go.
That being said, recent events have prompted me to pay more attention and care more about the composition of our MEC. I believe it was, is and will always be a good idea to look back and glean lessons learned from the past successes and shortcomings of MEC's and committees. But recently we seem to have been on a path similar to efforts made in the 90's in which union representatives assumed management would rightfully recognize the value of the FedEx pilots and instinctively want to reward us in good faith. After a time in the late 90's, we all began to realize we were already past that point.
For better or worse, a good while back, I think we crossed the point at which a relatively small but critical element to FedEx Express (the pilots) was going to be compensated on good faith. It seems to be part of the natural evolution in many companies that as they grow larger, more levels of management develop to contain costs. There are notable exceptions, like perhaps Southwest Airlines, in which managements act to mitigate the situation but unfortunately, many times employers and employees grow distant and, at times, adversarial. Contract negotiations can act to only further the deterioration. I believe that's where are today.
Because of our situation, I will be casting my vote for Mike Arcamuzi as the Block 11 representative. I will do this because of the mental archives Mike possess of lessons learned long ago, his intellect and ability to analyze critically, his integrity in everything I've ever seen him do, and most importantly, his unequaled energy and passion for improving the condition of every FedEx pilot on the property and those yet to be hired.
Mike has no aircraft-specific agenda, no parochial interests, will ALWAYS speak his mind (ask his bosses), and will never let you down. Rumors and selective memories to the contrary, the MEC Mike sat on was pretty high functioning. It was comprised of a hugely disparate group of people from different union backgrounds and perspectives. Mike was a standout on that MEC for all of the above cited reasons and his ability to work with just about anyone.
This unsolicited letter is not "against" anyone. Having occupied those spaces, I have nothing but respect for those who work on committees and the MEC whose intentions are to help the pilots. Rather, I am for Mike because I saw him at work very close up for years under all kinds of circumstances. Mike is nothing if not a pilot advocate; I believe it's in his genetic code. I hope you elect him to the MEC. You would be well served.
Respects and Out
Wally Huggins
50790

Council 26 election: Blocks 3, 6, and 11
(a list of eligible voters can be found at Elect Mike for Block 11)
Voting closes Monday, November 10 at 1000 ET

If order to cast your vote go to Air Line Pilots Association, International from any web browser and logon to the ALPA Members Only home page, not the FDX MEC home page. A link to the Members Only home page can be found under Quick Links.

You can only access your ballot from a web browser not from within the ALPA mobile apps and you can change your vote up until ballots close.

If I did not get a chance to speak with you in either the Memphis hub over the past week or by phone, I would appreciate the opportunity to earn your vote. Please look at my webpage Elect Mike for Block 11, contact me at 901-210-0701 or [email protected] so I can address any questions.

Voting ends at 1000 eastern time on Monday, November 10 and thank you for taking the time to support our union.

Ah........now I get it, you must be his campaign manager (or close to it) with Tony C watching your back. Interesting.:rolleyes: Anyone who thinks this is not an attempt to turn back to previous Union philosophies and previous Union tactics that were resoundingly rejected by the Membership is a "low information" voter..........simple as that. Howie has done an admirable job. Why would anyone want to inject new strife, powerplays and undermining into our organization at all, much less at such a crucial juncture as this is beyond me. Members of Council 26, use your memories and use your brains, dont be fooled again.

Actually, Zero13 is one of my other screen names I created years ago in anticipation of a situation just like this. You're so smart, you saw right through it! ;)

There's a hidden meaning behind the screen name -- I wonder if you can figure it out.


I'll have to be more sly when I use one of the others during the next event I have anticipated. I almost got away with this one, but I know you'll be watching me more closely next time. :D






.

Fellow ALPA Members,

I'd like to express my deepest gratitude to those members of Council 26 who have instilled their trust in me to be your MEC representative for Block 11. My motivation for seeking this position stems from my desire to improve safety and our situation as pilots. My emphasis is to represent the interests of every pilot at FedEx; instructors as well as line pilots.

I hope to further develop some ideas and initiatives concerning training, safety, and negotiations which build upon the efforts of others. We will achieve success when we work together bringing our own energy and ideas to help make progress as a team. It is up to us.

My personal thanks go to Howie Pilcher for the efforts he has made on our behalf. These are not easy times and his dedication to the success of section 11 of our next contract is clear.

As I become versed in current affairs I plan to reach out to fellow representatives and union volunteers. That is because we will all benefit from a healthy training department, everyone has a vested interest in safety, and there are only two sides to a negotiating table.

Thank you for the honor of serving as your next Council 26 Block 11 representative.

Sincerely,

Michael Arcamuzi
901-210-0701
[email protected]

Seriously. We hear it on APC first. Niiiice.

I guess democracy has spoken...