A totally self inflicted wound born of hubris.

Exactly.

I've encountered monkeys who can manage better. But, they're not inclined to pose in kilts and they spend less time getting their hair perfect.

What about the newhires in the FDAs? you think they're showing up under you in your bidpack?

There is currently no one junior to me in HK, and yes I also looked at and counted the EU75 guys(several of my classmates are based there). This isn't rocket science. Bring up the bid awards by seniority and start counting.

Occasionally when I read various posts, start thinking it's simply an updated version of the Telephone Game.

1 guy becomes 10 becomes tons. In another post, think there was definitive mention by Albie of 3sh folks who've left for more rapid upgrades and improved QOL. I can easily believe the larger numbers are in relation to people who once sought employment at FedEx and have been hired elsewhere.

The next big hiring wave is around the corner only works for so long, and 100sh for a year pales into insignificance when you consider others are hiring 100 a month. Pay rates and pensions are nice, but it's the volume below the earnings curve that truly matters. Especially when you read over and over on the internet on FedEx mgt seeking to lower compensation and freeze\eliminate the pension.

What sends an even bigger message is that fact that other Mgt's in the industry took those positions in bankruptcy, FedEx mgt is pursuing it because the profit margin isn't big enough

So far, Express Operating Income is only 1.2B for FY 15....


http://investors.fedex.com/files/doc...002_q681n7.pdf

You aint seen nothing yet. What till Fred leaves and a true bean counter, with no ties to the airline, takes his place and tries to emulate UPS' margins.

I think Albie's numbers are very close to reality. I only know for an absolute fact about 2 of them as we still stay in touch...and both of them are happy with their decisions. One is based in his home town the other is based somewhere he's always wanted to live. Both were sitting reserve in Memphis crash pads when they accepted jobs at the other majors.

Gobbledygook!!
 

I read all the people on this thread bellyaching about "FedEx isn't the place to be" any more. This isn't true. Here are the cold hard facts of the current situation. Disclaimer - I am not management and I am not a management sympathizer. I am simply someone that can look objectively at the business and objectively evaluate the decisions that have been made.

1. "My friend passed on FedEx for Delta, American, United." This is complete garbage. Your "friend" most likely was never called for an interview, got hired at one of these airlines, and convinced themselves they are at their final resting place because they don't want to go to training again. To these smart lads, September 11th never happened and can never happen again. Their application is sitting on the desk at German Wings but Delta called first. FedEx probably wasn't going to call anyways. Guys are leaving FedEx? I'm sure those free standby passes are working out when every flight in America is full these days. "We can always try the next flight honey."

2. "Hubris." Do you really think FedEx will have a hard time getting 300 bus drivers to come fly the freight at FedEx? Do you think management is worried? Is there a huge difference between the ace of the base and the "pit pilot"? Pilots are pilots, and when FedEx calls, applicants will come interview. If one passes for Delta, another will accept the invite. At 200-300 a year, they can keep the standards where they are currently. Tons of guys are getting out of the military now. RJ captains will resign tomorrow if FedEx calls.

3. FACT - The 757/767 training pipeline is all backed up. Did management mess this up? Someone probably hung for the 767 simulator not getting certification. Management wants all new hires in the 757 so they don't have to pay passover to anyone. Um, is this a bad decision or a SMART decision to honor seniority and spend less money? My guess is that they will have to relinquish this desire and pay the passover money because freight is being left on the ramp at alarming rates on the MD-11. Pilots are tired of treading water with seniority and aren't flying extra any more to make up for a manning shortage. Well done guys. At least the MD-11 guys realize that flying extra means less pilots.

4. Work rules. I know enough about the passenger carriers to know that they work rules don't compare. Want to trade a trip? Sure, as long as it's the same exact footprint you currently have been assigned. Sure, American and the others have new contracts. They sold their souls on work rules. Oh, and they block 80+ hours a month. I would shoot myself if I was in an airplane that much. It's not possible to block that much at FedEx, even on the 777. When the contact is signed lets see who's on top of the industry in pay...

This should stir some stuff up here.

BE

Birdeater.....

Very good post. I am currently an RJ Captain. I lurk on here a lot, but don't post. I am waiting for FedEx to call me. Along with about 5,000 other guys. My only caveat is that I can not accept a FDA due to my wife and kids. I am a young buck in this industry and can afford a little wait time....

It's funny to listen to people rationalize their career decisions. I've met a lot of fellow RJ drivers with 20+ years in the left seat of (insert type from CRJ to F-27). They'll say "when I look at my career earnings versus the three furloughs I would've been through at UAL and the BK contracts, I've made more money at this fine establishment."

To each his own. Each man and woman in this industry has to do what's best for him/her self and their families. For me, FDX is where I want to be.

Just sat next to a guy and the standard question is: "Hey got your stuff out anywhere?" I always say "I am waiting for FDX." (I just applied in this latest window).

The standard response is "Oh man, no way I would fly that backside of the clock stuff. I wanna go to United or Delta and fly international.... You know guys are going right to the 75/76 at Delta right now?" I say "oh wow. That's great. And what type of routes do you want to fly at Delta?" They say "oh man I wanna fly international...." And I say "Those are almost all back side of the clock, you realize that?" And you can just watch the epiphany happen.

I hope you guys get an industry leading pay scale, hold on to your pensions, and keep your vacation among other things. I hope to be on property someday. Best of luck to all of you!!! As an outsider looking in, I could walk into a crew room at my airline and pick 100 great guys/gas who would jump at the opportunity to fly for FedEx. It's not ALL doom and gloom.

Well spoken !

...exactly! I'm a currently dreaming about the day Big Purple calls. Guys don't see the big picture, they only see first year pay rates and hear the words "profit sharing" and are completely sold. There is SO much more in the equation. And the night flying thing cracks me up when they say they are going to be a wide body captain some day....but that's the reason they don't want to fly Cargo. Really?