GetRealDude

From Webster's dictionary:

: to stop fighting an enemy or opponent : to admit that an enemy or opponent has won
: to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing (most applicable).

FDX is not an enemy but with regards to negotiations, they are most definitely regarded as an opponent.

We're not in the parking lot in 1999. The ball is in our court and this TA is one of the most important crossroads in our collective history. The provisions in this TA will permeate our daily lives and become an irrevocable standard. If you believe otherwise, then I'm deeply concerned for your naïveté. Pay, retirement, scheduling/work rules, and healthcare will set a new expectation and standard well below your value.

The TA is a capitulation in its totality from cover to cover. It's not an issue of what is deserved, but rather what has been earned. The NC has determined the "value" of the TA. The published number is far from what this crew force has earned for the corporation. FACT. Our CFO has validated the recent 4.9% cost increase to customers in a SINGLE FISCAL YEAR will cover the expense of our 6 YEAR deal in its totality. FACT.

Our NC has presented a TA best described as crumbs from the corporate pie. Surely, if you fully analyze the TA, this becomes more clear and readily apparent.

So what to do? Vote yes and accept mediocrity in its many forms within the TA language ... or say no, this does not represent our value and direct earnings to the company. Simply put -- no matter how long it takes or what sacrifices must be made, are you willing to press the matter and do whatever it takes (within the RLA) to improve the substandard sections? This is a general inquiry. Getting lost in the finite details is not the intent. The details have been hammered out ad nauseum.

I'm not concerned in the least about the path forward. Our existing book CBA is adequate in the interim. In many cases, it's actually superior than the TA language.

I'm all in for the long haul. Personally, it's a relative assessment. I believe the outstanding issues identified if the TA fails will be addressed and resolved in a reasonable period ... with or without the NMB. On that note ... delivering the purple promise with or without you might have been a valid concern in 1999. Today, not so much.

Viper446

I take it you are a Yes vote then?

I don't disagree with you but I think people have made up their minds already. The majority of pro contract people aren't posting here, it mostly those against. I seriously doubt any postings on APC are going to convince the fence sitters to vote no. Remember, this is the vile, anti union, social media that shouldn't be trusted site.

So while you have a valid point, I don't think any more vote NO posts are really doing much at this point other than venting.

GetRealDude

Of course ... Not

The real focus is if it's voted down. Will the crew force rally or stay dysfunctionally split.

After all the rhetoric, it's just a summary of how I see it before the vote closes. Although at times confrontational, it's good to see the point - counterpoint of the views.

If it passes, so be it. If not, it's critical to identify the main issues and engage again with a unified crew force. Nobody can honestly say it's a blockbuster deal. Plenty of disappointment on both sides. My hope is we buck up and rally strong if it's voted down. It's not a victory either way based on the vote.

FoxHunter

Looks like the parking lot deal was far superior to the TA. The parking lot deal introduced a cap on earnings for the pension for the first time. The $260,000 cap provided the IRS max DB of $130,000 resulting from the 50% FAE at 25 YOS. The cap in 2015 should now be $420,000 FAE to generate the present IRS Max DB of $210,000.

Since FDX pilot, and union leadership appear to not have any desire to act like a labor union serious thought should be given to returning to a non union status. The FAB and the FCH were far superior to anything ALPA has been able to secure. You also get another 2% raise because you no longer have to pay union dues.

DLax85

"Anti union"??

I think the opposite is probably true

"...shouldn't be trusted" ??

I think those opposing the TA are the ones actually asking their brothers to have "trust in each other" as we move forward

GetRealDude

I can honestly say ALPA has been nothing but marginal since 2002. We obviously need some level of unionized protection in this industry. Plenty of limitations are found in a solely independent union.

I've often wondered how a merger with UPS pilots and other cargo pilots would have played out from an all-cargo perspective. For the most part, the pax carrier agenda always takes the forefront. Cargo cutouts are the industry norm. We saved ALPA's arse post 9/11 in dues revenue during furloughs and bankruptcies. The fact that we stil carry Lithium Ion batteries tells you the safety of our pilots is not a priority. But they'll gladly take your dues revenue.

Either way, it'll always be an uphill battle under the RLA. We have an opportunity to make a major impact on all contracts by raising the bar for all.

I'm hopeful of a no vote result. No concerned about the aftermath. A yes vote will set our feet in concrete for a long time. Hard to swim with concrete shoes.

GetRealDude

DLax85

Exactly. The no voters are encouraging yes voters to not allow the fear of the unknown to permeate their opinion of the TA.

Sometimes the rhetoric has gotten ugly, but just like a fight with a brother ... in the end, it's your brother and you'll fight alongside him no matter what. This current group has never really been tested until now. The results will speak volumes about our resolve.

Viper446

I was making a joke about the Union's comment about social media.

GetRealDude

No worries here. Your sarcasm is appreciated.

The NC comments are out of line. Shaking my head at the recent email to the crew force.

DLax85

OK - I missed the nuance & misinterpreted your statement - that can be a problem with two-dimensional Internet communication

In a similar vein, I think the Association leadership (and NC) misinterpreted the discontent, unity and strength of the crew force this summer, and thereby missed an opportunity to tell the company --- sorry, this TA is NOT sufficient.

It's NOT acceptable to this crew force

You CAN afford to give more in certain areas and our pilots have EARNED it

Hopefully, next week there will be no need for them to speculate on the level of pilot unity or speak to the company negotiators in a nuanced manner

Hopefully, the collective message will be loud & clear

But of course, it will take individual pilots looking in the mirror and asking themselves...

If my vote is the deciding vote, will this TA pass and be implemented....or will we politely and firmly reject it, and thereby hold steadfast for what we've earned?

Wow, it really is up to me.

It's a very important business decision --- for the long term