Council 26 Mike Arcamuzi for Blk 11 Election
 

I have known Mike for over 10 years and hope that those of you in his block take the time to consider his integrity and experience and vote for him as your rep.

To All Members of Council 26 (Blocks 3, 6, & 11)
Mike Arcamuzi for Block 11
Are you ready for a contract?
Are you ready to be rewarded for the contributions you make each day to the success of our corporation?
Do you want to improve your retirement, both the "A"-plan and the "B"-plan?
Do you want to fix §4.A.2.b.?
Do you want to preserve our vacation system, improve safety, and fix our reserve system?
Do you want seniority holding instructors in your classrooms, simulator training, and simulator evaluations?
Don´t you think we´ve waited long enough for the improvements you deserve?
We´ve waited far too long.

Our company continues to grow and turn record profits while we fall further and further behind. Don´t you think it´s time to stop the erosion? Quite frankly the strategy of appeasement has failed. We need to convince management of our desire to conclude this agreement on our terms with solid contractual gains. I want to help lead our union and the nearly 4,300 professional pilots at FedEx to the contract we´ve earned.

I am asking for your vote the old fashioned way - I want to earn it. I invite you to learn more about me at Elect Mike for Block 11 where you can read about who I am, what I stand for, and see my vision for Safety issues, Quality of Life Issues, Retirement and Insurance Issues, and Instructor issues. If you are still not convinced to vote for me or if you have questions or concerns, I invite you to contact me so I can address your issues.

If you are convinced I am the right person for the job, I´m asking for your help to spread the word. Please talk to your fellow pilots, share the website Elect Mike for Block 11, and encourage others to vote.

Beginning Monday, October 20 at 0900 Central Time you can cast your ballot. Login to the ALPA Homepage at Air Line Pilots Association, International. You will need your ALPA number or alternate login and your password. Once logged in, you will see a Ballot option. You can change your vote as often as you like, but only the last vote will count.
(If you have forgotten your ALPA number or password, you can call ALPA Membership at (888) 359-2572, Option 3, between 0800-1600 Central Time, or send an e-mail to [email protected].)
As I stated in my nomination letter, I believe it is up to the Negotiating Committee to get the best possible contract under the circumstances. It is up to you and me to change those circumstances. I think we can do better and I am convinced I can make a difference. Please vote for Mike Arcamuzi for Council 26 Block 11 Representative.

Fraternally,

Michael Arcamuzi
(901) 210-0701
[email protected]
Elect Mike for Block 11

It is up to us!
Voting Ends November 10th

Hey........all you Fdx Crewmembers out there, dredge your memory, do your homework. In particular you Guys and Gals in Blocks 3,6 and 11, do not be fooled, conned or mis-led. M. A. is/was Webbs right hand man. There is no new and improved. Its the same old Gig. To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln in 1864..."Don't change horses in the middle of the stream".........THAT would truly be devisive.

What is wrong with Webb?

His train left the station! :cool:

No conductor
 

This isn't about Webb, it is about Arco. And his former block liked him.

He will be flattered that you think he was the right hand man...but change is needed. Even the block one rep would agree. Even with one of his strongest supporters, the honeymoon is over and a divorce is definitely in the near future.

Spreading fear about change to keep change from happening shows your true colors. Change needs to happen and it sends a message to the company.

We can't get the train out of the station now. We need some new conductors. (Unless it involves a bouncy house and face painting...)

Yep, just as I thought......."Change is needed..........the honeymoon is over and a divorce is definitely in the near future"...........oh yeah......That's what we need, an upheaval in leadership in the last quarter of negotiations, and major changes in course. Remind you of any previous contractual failed history? And yes Hkflyr, it is about Webb and how Arco was in lock step with him. The Company is just rubbing their hands in glee.........This should illustrate clearly for all Pilots.........Arco and his faction (in my opinion) do not care about your well being, just about regaining power. This smacks of smokey rooms and parking lot deals. Folks in the 3 blocks he is running in, this is not a new face, it is not a new agenda, this is not an innovative approach and this is definitely not in your best interest..........ask yourself one question......why be divisive now? It's just all about the power. Plain and simple. Think, remember, and do due diligence.

Upheaval? Term ends 28 Feb 15. It's an election.

You want someone that is proactive and leads or someone that's a follower?

your forgetting to also blame George Bush also. Blame Webb has gotten old with the SS crowd...

What we have isn't working and changing leadership is needed. It isn't a love fest at the table any more and leadership is what is lacking.

Did you notice that retirement letter out out by Jack A, David C AND John G? Pretty big slap in the face against this great MEC...those first 2 used to support SS, but that divorce already happened.

Any relation to Harry Arcamuzi of United?

Yes, his son.

Flew with Harry 1969-1971 period.

Newark B-737-200.

He flew west at least 12 years ago. Met the wife several times and some of the rest of the family. Great people.

Well ... anyone that might have Dave Webb / Bob Chimenti "stink" on them won't get my vote. DW's positions were so different from mine that I sometimes wondered if he was getting money "under the table" from Management :confused:

Those guys clearly had an agenda to take care of THEMSELVES!*? They did


:eek:

I think it's hilarious that you all think that the all-powerful DW has such influence on people, even today. Everyone is an individual, and DW isn't pulling the puppet strings.

You got the wrong guy...
 

YGTBSM!

If anyone is helping the company, take a look at SS. Remember that it was the current SCP that released the SIG from work to go help sway the recall vote on the reps that openly opposed SS. Thereby keeping the Boy king in power. BM was heard to say SS was good for the company. Huh?

Dave Webb got every fired Captain their job back during the Jumpseat war.

SS and company rolled over on the HK4 and continued to negotiate two interim one year jokes of a hybrid TA and a flawed 767 LOA that is already full of holes.

I want some of what your smoking...I think it is good s$&t!

If you truly think this guys are great, good luck! We are so far in the hole from the start of negotiations I only hope we can keep what we got in 2006.

How much work have you done for your association? If you have done any serious work you would think otherwise.

Geez, I was thinking 6, maybe 7 years ago. :eek:

Thanks for the info.

I will add this about the "ARCO" debate. Mike has from the beginning worked endless hours on behalf of Fedex pilots. Yes he is associated with the Webb administration. I won't defend all that has been bannered about about Webb, other than to say that DW is a true unionist knowing all too well that "interest based bargaining" is the ultimate oxymoron.

For those of you not here since pre ALPA 1 and its replacement, FPA to be followed by ALPA 2 (the current); here is a quick history lesson. We have had alternating philosophy's at Fedex starting with "Fred with take care of us....", "We will lose the good will of the company if we unionize...." and any number of similar augments vs "We need a real contract negotiated by a real union".
At this juncture few would argue the need for a RLA sanctioned working agreement (pre union the crew force was pretty evenly divided on even the need for that), but now we have had back and forth, a "work with the company vs go head to head with the company" approach to negotiating with Fedex. Both have failed to conclude a contract with the company in a timely manner. Both advocates for their method of negotiating have had better luck bad mouthing the other camps methods than acutely proving there own in negoiation with Fedex.

So Back to Mike. Mike is old school. He is a true blue unionist, not some pansy apologist who holds his nose over the fact that other groups, be it truckers, teachers or clerks, dare to work under a union label. I don't even have to ask whether Mike is covering up his SEIU logo on his "Contract Now" lanyard, I know he isn't.

I'm not bad mouthing the current administration or how they are interfacing with the company, I'm just saying that ARCO is not Webb but is surely not cut from the same cloth as CC. Read what he has to say and vote for him based on what he saids he will do as an ALPA rep. You may not agree with everything he says but he will work 150% for the pilots of this airline. That I will take to the bank..

No responsibility?
 

Not really feeling any love for DW does not equate to supporting SS. Please don't insult our intelligence with this misleading comment. Most on here did not say "we support SS", they simply don't want to go back to the days of the DW admin.

Did SS negotiated the crappy LOA that was used to ensnare the HK4? If DW is so much better than SS and should have a second administration after being recalled I would expect the LOA he negotiated would be so tight the HK4 would never have had to deal with the housing issue. Not of interest to the him & his companions, they got theirs and some of "ours".

Who signed off on 90 day TDY to HK? Another example of how DW strong armed management during his term! So DW's negotiated agreement means the company doesn't have to worry about manning the HK 767 because the junior will pay the price one way or another.

Sounds like he will work 100% for Pilots and 50% for labor politics. I know some of you think that is the same thing, sure wish you hadn't insinuated that your candidate agrees with you.

Any way you slice it Arco is 1000 times the effort and ideas of his opposition for his block and his council.

Who is he running against?

Runs in the family...

The guy who scheduled a jumpseat home during his own Nominating Meeting, even though he's the Chairman of the Council and responsible for conducting the meeting. He had to be coaxed to even attend the beginning of the meeting.

HP, current Block 11 Rep.


FLMD11CAPT sounds angry about Dave Webb and anyone who ever dared call him a friend, but Dave Webb isn't on the ballot. Hate him if that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside, but you can't vote against Webb. (And contrary to what Flying Boxes intimates above, Webb was not recalled.)

FLMD11CAPT also invokes Lincoln and warns us to not change horses in the middle of the stream. However, when your horse is in the middle of a raging river, up to his nostrils in currents he can't handle and about to drown, it's time to dismount!

"Upheaval in leadership"? Gimme a break. This is no more an upheaval in leadership than our biennial congressional elections. Block Rep terms last 3 years, and the terms for Council 26 are nearing their end, thus the normal election cycle. I don't remember FLMD11CAPT warning against "upheaval in leadership" when 3 Block Reps were up for recall during the middle of their terms during contract negotiations. Save us the hypocrisy, please.

Finally, FLMD11CAPT suggests we're in the "last quarter of negotiations." Oh, really? When did The Company come off their insistence on PiBS? It's still in their proposals, and until it comes out, how could we possibly be engaging in meaningful conversations about scheduling and workrules? The only conversations going on right now are the conversations they're probably having in Hollywood, Florida, at the Board of Directors Meeting about how they will nominate and who will support Stratton for ALPA President.

Last quarter ... is that where we entertain Company proposals like freezing our "A"-plan, creating a "B"-scale "C"-plan for new hires, and dead-heading pilots on the B-777? Yepp, sounds to me like we're Reeeee-a-a-l close. Just give 'em ONE MORE PEAK! :rolleyes:

One of the candidates for Block 11 knows how the processes work, knows how to get the job done, and will work tirelessly to make it happen. He is absolutely committed to serving his brethren pilots. There is no question he has his priorities straight.

Browse through his website. He talks about how foolish we are to reject talented people from serving this pilot group because we want to act like the Hatfields and McCoys. Instead of refusing to consider anyone associated with one family or another, why don't we look for the best people for the job, period?






.

SS, while the autographs on the "Bridge Contract" were still drying, took a list of names handed him by The Company and began our own little investigation of Hong Kong pilots. He sent the Hong Kong Block Rep to contact each pilot on the list to advise them to contact ALPA attorneys who then questioned the pilots, sending shockwaves of terror throughout the base.

That's not how Section 19, Investigation and Discipline, of our CBA works. ALPA is supposed to be on THE PILOT'S side, not investigating the pilot. ALPA is supposed to be standing UP for the pilot, not trying to strong arm the pilots through public communications to accept the deal and not tell anybody the details.

Sorry, you can't blame that one on Webb. Global warming, maybe, but not the Hong Kong terminations.






.

This could not be further from the truth. You do realize the SIG is two people on the Association side, right? The SCP does not govern the ALPA SIG. You may be attempting to refer to PSIT members showing up to vote on the recall but your facts and contractual knowledge are so inept that your point gets refuted before you can make it.

Support your candidate. Don't make up a story to blast union volunteers that work on every pilot's behalf. Especially the one committee that makes substantial and quantifiable gains in every FedEx pilots quality of life every month. Once again, back off on the noise dude, stick to the facts.

Sorry for remembering the DW recalls incorrectly, I thought he was. There were some from the DW administrations that were.

Criticizing SS about negotiation effectiveness, and introducing discussion of the HK4 while stating DW has no culpability is laughable. If DW and his administration brought such fear to management as a negotiator, why do the LOAs have pitfalls. DW and his negotiation team ARE PART of the HK4 discussion. I will not refute your statements on how SS approached the issue.

I am NOT a SS supporter, more like neutral. I think all FDX ALPA members need to evaluate their representation during normal term elections. Contract negotiations are not a reason to extend a term. Good performance is.

Did HP send out a campaign letter? Don't remember seeing anything.

[QUOTE=TonyC;1749619]SS, while the autographs on the "Bridge Contract" were still drying, took a list of names handed him by The Company and began our own little investigation of Hong Kong pilots. He sent the Hong Kong Block Rep to contact each pilot on the list to advise them to contact ALPA attorneys who then questioned the pilots, sending shockwaves of terror throughout the base.

That's not how Section 19, Investigation and Discipline, of our CBA works. ALPA is supposed to be on THE PILOT'S side, not investigating the pilot. ALPA is supposed to be standing UP for the pilot, not trying to strong arm the pilots through public communications to accept the deal and not tell anybody the details.

Sorry, you can't blame that one on Webb. Global warming, maybe, but not the Hong Kong terminations.

Pretty sure he was talking about the original LOA for HKG setting the trap that captured the HK guys and girls. Yes that one was on a different watch to say DW's. While I do not wish to return to the way things were run during the DW reign, I think Mike will work for us. I contacted my rep about voting to allow the company to jumpseat us on the 777. He said he did not support that but a friend who I trust and in the know says he actually did. The thing I have always liked about Mike is he will listen and discuss the issue not just tell you what he wants to do. The whole MEC needs to get their act together and do OUR work not their own personal agenda PERIOD!!!!!

Actually D. Martin was DW's right hand man and he's running for block 3 rep. Our former MEC vice chair who brought you VEBA from our wet lease money of which most of us will never see a dime. Nice guy and my former crash pad roommate, but no way will he receive my vote.

If a divorce is imminent, does he really have time to be a block rep?

What we had with Dave Webb quit working.....I think in the environment we have, its been working about as well as it can.

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From my perspective, HP has always returned my phone calls in a very timely fashion and answered my questions to my satisfaction. He's also supported a sub-committee for fixing Section 11, the very same Section 11 that got hosed under the last administration. Nothing against Arco, but I've been pleased with HP's representation and see no need to roll him under the bus. PiBS, retirement changes, DH-ing? Really? Think HP is proposing or supporting any of these? Please… DW had his agenda and if you didn't support it, he took you out in the courtyard for the hanging. The LOA that still blows and the concessionary Section 11 came from him and his administration. When offered advice from people who had actually lived overseas in previous lives, DW was most definitely NOT interested in hearing their opinions or input. If somebody ends up taking frag for standing too close to DW, so be it.

What we had with Dave Webb quit working.....I think in the environment we have, its been working about as well as it can.

By the way.... I can say it. I support Scott Stratton. Dave Webb and crew did a good job for a while, then started to believe their own press. I always like Wally Huggins. I appreciate the substantial work they did, but they ran their course....I have little desire to revisit that.

If Arco was such a staunch trade unionist...what did he do to stop the company from direct dealing during HKG LOA 1 when they FDX offered $10k move money during the ratification process they should have gotten an injunction.....DM is a nice guy...but I once referred to him as "The Crown Prince"on here and got a phone call at home from another Officer who is now running for elective office in Texas....funny story. I had proposed limiting the Officer's pay to the FLEET AVG BLG during 4A2b. I couldn't be at the meeting to propose the motion, but I was assured the top three would limit their pay while some of us were getting paid 55 hours a month. In the end, they only dumped a small allowance but claimed they were in solidarity with the crew force. DM won't ever get support from me

Guys that do this job do it for two reasons I think....a lot like a homeowner's association....either they "think THEY should be in charge, because they're so much smarter than everyone else and like the title"....or...or...they're asked by others to do the job. Scott Stratton was asked by Fred Beusser to run. I flew with Scott in the DC-10 and believe me that he doesn't need this to stroke his ego....but I can tell you that if he's going to spend his time doing it, he will do it to the best of his ability.

I've been in charge of a HOA...I was asked to be on the board and was elected in absentia as President as I couldn't be there to defend myself. I busted hump and I did a good job and got some important things done. I have ZERO desire to go back even after others suggest I go back on the board. There are others that can do or will do a better job than me...it's their turn and I'm in a different place in my life right now.

I want a Pilot representing me...not a pilot who thinks he's more important than the rest of us...some mini-Hoffa. This is our association, but these guys seem to claim a bigger ownership share than the rest of us. Some guys are like birds and you have to throw rocks to get them to fly. Few years ago, I was asked to help on a committee....one of the people talking to me about it claimed one of the benefits was trip removal....I had reservations to begin with.....that sealed the deal I said "no". There are guys out there that look at ALPA as a career alternative to flying, like some look at Management as a career alternative.

(Not TonyC though, he is a flying son of a gun...and even though he is still active and involved...he's not trying to fight his way back... I believe he is more interested in getting others to do what he is done doing...)...

The guys that feel like they're the only ones that can do the job right...they bother me, they rarely go away, they SOMETIMES do the right thing for the right reasons.

Some guys just have to be elected and be in charge all the time.....like going from Secretary Treasurer, then a few years later running for public office. I want a guy that identifies himself as a pilot, does a job, then goes home. I will say that if their aspirations are limited to provide experience and continuity....Block rep is probably safe, but if their aspirations is a "counterrevolution" to reinstall the 'rightful heirs' of the previous administration I don't think we have time for that. Be wary of the guy who looks way beyond the next contract as their horizon.

Moving forward
 

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.

I am and always will be a people-person. My motivation is for the long term success of our profession, our pilots and the security of our families. My strength is in building relationships and bridging ideological gaps to successfully achieve common goals.

Elect Mike for Block 11

I filed a grievance on that one; the direct dealing after the LOA was ratified, for the direct dealing in which the Company gave us a few extra bones while they were still trying to fill HKG. After the union had it for a few weeks, they ended up signing a side letter allowing the direct dealing "deals". Pathetic, IMO.

DM and WR came to SFS to push the LOA. At a meeting where DM seemed to be having a hard time answering the Qs from the group out there, WR, being the consummate politician, stepped in and answered most of the Qs, and not to the satisfaction of anyone. No wonder he wants to get into politics in TX. DM seems like a nice guy, I just dont think he has the gusto to get the job done.

@Jakal. This is Mike Arcamuzi for Block 11 Rep. What does Stratton have to do with it? Or your support of Stratton? Arco v. Howie.

Arco has done more for this block in the past twelve months than the other in the past 36 months.

You are asking about Arco and questioning his commitment to pilots because of the LOA. Have you asked him yourself? Visit electmike.us he has contact info posted there. Report back to us what he says to your questions as we all want to know. Funny you question commitment yet when you ask block 11 instructors they will tell u their rep is MIA. In fact, is there an election? Ask your buddy SS why nothing has been announced to Council 26. The ballots came out today...nothing. Maybe later this week..It Is
Up To Us. Furthermore, running on the ballot just to prevent Arco from winning is neither a vision nor a commitment. If pressed to make an educated guess I would say you are an MD instructor as he hasn't returned calls and emails to instructors in other fleets. Ask the 57 FOs how the feel about stellar representation. The section 11 union openers give up PDO bump for fly days in exchange for banking 12 hours out of your guarantee until you pull trips from open time...wow! Commitment Fail! Word in the halls is your man liked the idea of a freeze...commitment fail! Word is your man voted on the side of 777 jumpseats (and for the listed proxy as well)...commitment fail! There is a new curriculum due to hit the streets in Jan...any idea the challenges we all face as a result? Commitment fail! In fact, the commitment to block 11 is deafening!

Someone has told you about Arco but you do not know him and you have not talked to him or else you would realize just how silly your "gotta be in charge" accusations are. Leaders lead dude. That's what they do. So how about this? You get Howie to drop out of the race and your buds can write you in.

Lastly..you question someone who has the long view in their plans...in future contracts or in say national ALPA President while we are smack dab in the middle of negotiations...twice. Second thought leave Howie on the ballot.

Are you saying SS is running for ALPA President right now?

Zero...I'm assuming when you said: "This is Mike Arcamuzi for Block 11 Rep. What does Stratton have to do with it? Or your support of Stratton? Arco v. Howie." you were speaking about the thread topic and not identifying yourself as Mike Arcamuzi, then going on to speak about yourself in a strange third person rant.

I said I supported Scott Stratton here because throughout the thread, there were all too many people trying to throw him under the bus.

I was speaking about my belief that people that do this work long term tend to identify themselves more as a professional union guy than an "additional duty". You really got upset at that. I'm sorry, I still believe that.

The comments about the Hatfields and McCoys is interesting, because those that elected Scott Stratton did not do so out of a feud. The only feud mentality that I see come from the guys whose viewpoints were defeated. They seem to publicly voice their disagreement in a vociferous manner. I am neither Hatfield or McCoy....I have no feud with anyone. The fact that some see this as a feud speaks to their own mentality.

You referred to Scott Stratton as my buddy....he's not my buddy, I just flew with him years ago and know him. I like the things that have gone on since he has been elected, though I would at times like a little harder line (thoughts because I'm a pilot and want to be able to control a situation).

I'm not an MD-11 instructor....Not even in that LEC anymore...moved from Block 6 to Block 5. Just following the thread with interest.

You seem really ****ed off about my opinion. I'm sorry.

I was nominated as block rep once, then found out a friend of mine also got nominated. I spoke with him on the phone, found out we thought exactly the same way on things.....wrote a letter to the block saying I thought he'd make a better block rep than me.......he did and still does.

The only reason we both ran is that we felt we ought to...not that we wanted to.

I believe in servant leadership. A block rep shouldn't "lead...Dude". He should represent the wishes of his block.

Years ago, I asked DW why he voted the way he did at ALPA on age 65. He asked what I would have had him do since it was a foregone conclusion. I said "vote the way your pilots felt about age 65"....he responded: "we needed to show 'leadership' to the other airlines." That kind of leadership I can do without.

I will say that anytime someone says their Block Rep doesn't return emails, what they usually mean is "they heard their block rep doesn't return emails."....Most probably don't know how to find their block rep's email address....I had a buddy recently complain to me that our Block rep wasn't answering emails. So I did a test...I got an answer in a day. If you speak to a block rep, you'd be surprised how little correspondence they get.

I don't have anything against Mike Arcamuzi, I was just commenting how it seems that the old guard from the Dave Webb regime keep trying really hard to get back in the house....like in "The Birds", so they can peck out Scott Stratton's eyes. I just figured they'd move on and get a life. Is Arco one of them? I don't know...but if he attracts guys that respond like you do, it's easy to assume he's one of them.

Your angry attack quite frankly makes him look bad.....again, I don't have a dog in this LEC anymore, I'm just voicing my opinion.

I am still waiting to here from the candidate that wants to trash the A Plan and doesnt want a contract we deserve. I know he is out there, I keep hearing him attacked.