So tell me, when one enters the military, do they go through any training to build unity?

While we are not performing military duties here, the same teamwork is needed. So is the unity. Our elected leaders need to train us so we know where to focus and the right answers. So we understand unity. So we know the collective goals, not platitudes.

That leadership and that training is what is not happening. Instead, as the goalposts are moved yet again, emails from the NC and SPSC are seen by some as leadership. They are not.



I see the company sailing through another peak at the same pay rates, using the same workrules, and with our leaders firmly seated, hands folded, while listening to another SME saying all is well, we just need more time. The plan is working. No questions.


So if the company does go to NMB in late SEPT or early OCT asking for help, what do you think the timeline would be? DO you think we would meet before peak was over? I don't, I think it would be all hands on deck, like it always is. The company would say they are too busy until Jan.

How is any of that leadership?

 

I've never been in the military, so i couldn't tell you what training is required to form unity. I do know which side of the table my interests are being represented. I didn't need training on that.

When was the last time you were satisfied with the union leadership at this company? How would you rate the unity now vs. other times in your career at FedEx? What metric do you use to gauge that?

Beyond that your statements on effective communication, I guess we'll just agree to disagree. I think the contract 2021 website is very informative, It'll tells everyone where we stand. What I've found is very few of our crew force take the time to goto the website. You will blame that on failed leadership. We can't get guys to read basic contract language. Is that failed leadership too? At what point do we start looking inward and think maybe no matter who is leading the union we need to stop blaming everyone other than ourselves.
I see it all the time on JF. Company screws over pilot, pilot goes on there to ***** about why ALPA hasn't done anything. Well did you call in fatigued, well no. Line pilots need to start standing up for each other.

But like i said to Tony, I'll see you in NYC. Appreciate your drive, just wish it was focused in a slightly different direction.

 

I remember going to a union hub turn meeting back in early May where the union reps stated they were still hopeful a deal can be done by the end of May. I remember thinking, "what are these guys smoking"? After their email yesterday, I still feel the same way. In my opinion, there is absolutely zero incentive for the company to come to the table with any offer whatsoever. Why would they??? Trips are easily getting covered, staffing is catching up, and economy is slowing. Out leverage is vanishing with each day. Let the stall games begin. Fast forward 12 months and we will still be here *****ing about the fact we don't have a contract...

I would love to be wrong but somehow I doubt I am...

 

Item one, go watch band of brothers. Item two, name one interest that is being negotiated on your behalf. Be specific (don't just say industry leading pay rates, or say for how long. Six years is a long time, correction, seven and counting).

Item three, Communications. I understand you are an intelligent person, but even you have to say there is no focusable goals. Platitudes are not goals. They have no specifics or durations. Industry leading is too vague, there is nothing to stand behind or get excited about.


Where is our slogan like "Remember the Alamo" or "Tippecanoe and Tyler too". Anything. The time is now? Really, was that in Apr, May, June, Aug, Sept? Sometime after the NMB is engaged? When?

Give me a rally call. Something simple we can say to each other to show our unity. Anything.


Also remember the pilots who are retiring with a 130K pension month after month while the MEC sits quietly letting the NC add more dates while they relax after such a grueling single informational picketing event two months ago. Glad they decided to not stand with EVERY OTHER APLA group in Section 6. They deserve the time off. (Add mandatory sarcasm warning here).

 

Another word salad but you failed to answer any of my questions but put forth more for me to answer. To that effect I will not negotiate in public which I know is a concept you just can't seem to grasp. And that's a pretty damning accusation that anyone within our union leadership is taking time off. You know how false that statement is, and the idea that you would put that out there shows where your motivations are.

 

Okay, I'll call your bluff. Below are your questions and my answers. You answer them as well.

Here are your three questions:

When was the last time you were satisfied with the union leadership at this company? When the MEC said NO to the first China LOA.

How would you rate the unity now vs. other times in your career at FedEx? the lowest I have ever seen.

What metric do you use to gauge that? Talking to other pilots, understanding just how disengaged the membership feels the Union leadership is, and the pilot count on the informational picketing line. With over 1000 more pilots on the seniority list, we had about half the participation number of pilots standing on the line.


Your turn.

 

Satisfied with the current leadership group. Haven't really seen many out there that are willing to step up that would do much better imho. Much better than what I've seen at other airlines.

The unity here has been poor the 6 years I've been here.

The company is constantly screwing us over. "The union" doesn't take your side once and they are never forgiven. I've seen this attitude play out over and over again. No one reads the contract. JF is the easy button.

 

Interesting perspective from someone who has been here 6 whole years?

 

Yup. Not that long but close to half the pilot group hasn't been here long at all. Different prospectives, hopefully we can learn from each other.

 

For someone who has been here 6 whole years and works for the union, you have a pretty bad opinion of our pilot group.