Scope Discussion
 

Admittedly, I’m a novice when it comes to this subject. However, in light of recent events, I believe this is the headline issue of the forthcoming contract. I just wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts on what should be primary considerations when it comes to this subject. I have my focus areas which I will now list, but I would like others to highlight some blind spots for me if you could.

Here’s my top four scope items:

1. International Scope

• All international flights conducted by FEDEX ALPA from represented crewmembers will continue to be flown by such crewmembers. The Company will
  continually pursue additional route authority on a good faith basis. As the Company secures additional international route authority, it will take all reasonable steps to assure that such routes are flown by FEDEX ALPA crewmembers in accordance with this Agreement within two (2) bid periods of the date the route authority was granted. If the Company’s use of a subcontractor exceeds the two (2) bid periods under circumstances cited in this paragraph, the Company will meet with the Association to discuss the reason(s) for the delay. In no event will the Company take more than twelve (12) months to transition the new flying to the IPA, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise. The Company will report all use of subcontractors pursuant to this Section to the Association.
• The above is copy and pasted from the UPS SCOPE section. This is a non-negotiable item for me. If it’s not in there, it’s a line in the sand. I understand some may disagree, but I didn’t come to FedEx for a domestic only airline.
  
• In addition to this scope, I would include an aircraft size restriction that all international flying that utilizes aircraft that have FedEx pay rates in our contract must utilize FedEx pilots.
  
• I realize this may not be enforceable or may face legal challenges. I don’t care. Get it in there.
  

2. Crew Compliment

• All FedEx flights must have a minimum of two FedEx pilots.
  
• Delta has this. I want it.
  

3. Future Pilot Operations

• If future Pilot operations should no longer require an RFO Pilot in the aircraft and they move that position to the ground, that ground pilot must be a FedEx seniority list Pilot.
  

4. Third Party Freight

• All FedEx freight that is flown between cities that are served by FedEx trunk aircraft both international and domestic must be flown by FedEx pilots.
  
• Example - The company cannot utilize United airlines direct from SFO-LHR.
• The company may utilize third party aircraft between cities that do not warrant trunk aircraft on that route, but once payload averages exceed 75,000 pounds per week, FedEx aircraft must be utilized.
  
• For domestic operations, no more than ten cans can be shipped third party from an origin city per week. Beyond this, a significant penalty will be levied.
  

I realize I’m throwing myself to the wolves, but things are clearly getting out of hand. The crew force I believe has little knowledge of the ramifications of scope. And we are heading in a bad way. Would love a critique on my opinions. Would also like to see what other thoughts are out there in regards to scope. Have at it.

I like the ideas. If we listen to management then the company is making moves to move freight either like UPS or like DHL Both scenarios mean a crew force reduction. Option A can only happen if we enhance scope. Option B looks increasingly possible in the future if we don’t significantly improve Scope. Without scope we could have pay rates of $1000/hour and it wouldn’t matter if they shrink the crew force into obscurity.

Management could be bluffing to scare us into accepting a lousy contract which based on online chatter is mostly making pilots mad, not scared.

The company plans could be legit, but if so then they played their hand too soon as long as we actually pay attention and demand scope be enhanced.

That ship has sailed. Scope as of today is untouched.

UPS scope. Copy and paste. We don't always have to reinvent the wheel.

What do you mean? I know FDX Scope was touched this time round.

The company opened it, so I'm sure its better... Best case the way we get paid is improved. Which btw where's my 2022 check? It needs to be opened and completely overhauled. We need real concrete scope, not just language that costs the bean counters pennies on the dollar for them railroading us domestically. They get to do it for free internationally.

Only if we let it. The sails are up, the wind is blowing, but the mooring lines are still connected. It’s not too late to get this contract right. We don’t have to vote yes if the TA we get has terrible scope. We COULD re-open the section because of changes that have occurred since it was completed. It might look bad but so does this bid and the public and private statements that the company has made. They are threatening our jobs and we need to stand unified and fix our scope. Otherwise, we will get out sourced into non-existence.

If we are legally allowed to fly the route, only pilots on the FedEx seniority list can operate those aircraft, period. It’s that simple.

They don’t necessarily get to do it for free internationally. Any route traditionally flown by FedEx pilots incurs a scope penalty if that route is wet leased to another airline. The penalty is double the 15 year pay rate for a wide body Captain, FO and FE, multiplied by the block hours flown.

It would be nice if the union would release the TA'd scope language so we can read it and ask questions about it ourselves.