UAL MEC Confiscates $$$$$$$
12-16-2008, 03:55 PM
#1
767 CAP
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: 757 / 767 Cap SEA
Posts: 53
UAL MEC Confiscates $$$$$$$
Since the UAL-MEC has pulled the plug on the forum for UAL pilots, there is presently no other forum other than this to "get the word out" on what is going on at UAL. I hope someone out there is working on setting up a new forum OUTSIDE the oversight and censorship of the UAL MEC.
The issue of the week is the UAL "Furlough Fund." The furlough fund was originally designed several years ago to assist those pilots (at the time there were 2172 pilots in that category) with COBRA insurance premiums. The fund was administered responsibly and effectively and resulted in a great many of our pilots being assisted at the time of their greatest need. On average, we were assessed about $15 to $20 a month and the cost seemed to be spread fairly among the 7,000 of us on the seniority list.
With the advent of the furlough of additional UAL pilots (presently 223) the fund was re-activated. HOWEVER, this time, instead of assessing funds as they were needed, the UAL-MEC apparently has decided to create a "super-fund" to address any contingency. This is not what ANY United pilot had in mind, especially when I received my first furlough fund assessment of $176.00! This was just for the month of December. That e-mail was followed by another e-mail from ALPA declaring that they had "made a mistake" and that my monthly assessment was ONLY $95.20.
After several calls to my Council Chairman and the UAL MEC Secretary Treasurer, APPARENTLY this assessment is CORRECT. If my assessment is representative of the pilot group, and about half the pilots contributing more and half contributing less, I figure that this one assessment garnered the UAL-MEC over $665,000. Now, if they split that amount evenly with EVERY current furloughee, that would net them nearly $3,000 EACH!
If the MEC was paying about $450 per furloughee for COBRA insurance, the cost would be approximately $100,350. So, that begs the question ---What is the UAL MEC doing with the extra $565,000 that it has CONFISCATED from the pilot group?
Since the UAL-MEC has pretty much severed all forms of two way communication with it's pilots, I'll toss it out here and MAYBE it will garner the attention of SOMEONE - if anyone cares anymore.
If you are a United pilot I strongly urge you to contact your local council officers and DEMAND an accounting for this assessment. This organization appears to be out of control.
And I'll sign my name -
Steve Derebey
Member
Council #27
The issue of the week is the UAL "Furlough Fund." The furlough fund was originally designed several years ago to assist those pilots (at the time there were 2172 pilots in that category) with COBRA insurance premiums. The fund was administered responsibly and effectively and resulted in a great many of our pilots being assisted at the time of their greatest need. On average, we were assessed about $15 to $20 a month and the cost seemed to be spread fairly among the 7,000 of us on the seniority list.
With the advent of the furlough of additional UAL pilots (presently 223) the fund was re-activated. HOWEVER, this time, instead of assessing funds as they were needed, the UAL-MEC apparently has decided to create a "super-fund" to address any contingency. This is not what ANY United pilot had in mind, especially when I received my first furlough fund assessment of $176.00! This was just for the month of December. That e-mail was followed by another e-mail from ALPA declaring that they had "made a mistake" and that my monthly assessment was ONLY $95.20.
After several calls to my Council Chairman and the UAL MEC Secretary Treasurer, APPARENTLY this assessment is CORRECT. If my assessment is representative of the pilot group, and about half the pilots contributing more and half contributing less, I figure that this one assessment garnered the UAL-MEC over $665,000. Now, if they split that amount evenly with EVERY current furloughee, that would net them nearly $3,000 EACH!
If the MEC was paying about $450 per furloughee for COBRA insurance, the cost would be approximately $100,350. So, that begs the question ---What is the UAL MEC doing with the extra $565,000 that it has CONFISCATED from the pilot group?
Since the UAL-MEC has pretty much severed all forms of two way communication with it's pilots, I'll toss it out here and MAYBE it will garner the attention of SOMEONE - if anyone cares anymore.
If you are a United pilot I strongly urge you to contact your local council officers and DEMAND an accounting for this assessment. This organization appears to be out of control.
And I'll sign my name -
Steve Derebey
Member
Council #27
Last edited by SEA 737; 12-16-2008 at 04:06 PM.
12-16-2008, 04:27 PM
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: B737 CAPT IAH
Posts: 1,130
Originally Posted by SEA 737
Since the UAL-MEC has pulled the plug on the forum for UAL pilots, there is presently no other forum other than this to "get the word out" on what is going on at UAL. I hope someone out there is working on setting up a new forum OUTSIDE the oversight and censorship of the UAL MEC.
The issue of the week is the UAL "Furlough Fund." The furlough fund was originally designed several years ago to assist those pilots (at the time there were 2172 pilots in that category) with COBRA insurance premiums. The fund was administered responsibly and effectively and resulted in a great many of our pilots being assisted at the time of their greatest need. On average, we were assessed about $15 to $20 a month and the cost seemed to be spread fairly among the 7,000 of us on the seniority list.
With the advent of the furlough of additional UAL pilots (presently 223) the fund was re-activated. HOWEVER, this time, instead of assessing funds as they were needed, the UAL-MEC apparently has decided to create a "super-fund" to address any contingency. This is not what ANY United pilot had in mind, especially when I received my first furlough fund assessment of $176.00! This was just for the month of December. That e-mail was followed by another e-mail from ALPA declaring that they had "made a mistake" and that my monthly assessment was ONLY $95.20.
After several calls to my Council Chairman and the UAL MEC Secretary Treasurer, APPARENTLY this assessment is CORRECT. If my assessment is representative of the pilot group, and about half the pilots contributing more and half contributing less, I figure that this one assessment garnered the UAL-MEC over $665,000. Now, if they split that amount evenly with EVERY current furloughee, that would net them nearly $3,000 EACH!
If the MEC was paying about $450 per furloughee for COBRA insurance, the cost would be approximately $100,350. So, that begs the question ---What is the UAL MEC doing with the extra $565,000 that it has CONFISCATED from the pilot group?
Since the UAL-MEC has pretty much severed all forms of two way communication with it's pilots, I'll toss it out here and MAYBE it will garner the attention of SOMEONE - if anyone cares anymore.
If you are a United pilot I strongly urge you to contact your local council officers and DEMAND an accounting for this assessment. This organization appears to be out of control.
And I'll sign my name -
Steve Derebey
Member
Council #27
The issue of the week is the UAL "Furlough Fund." The furlough fund was originally designed several years ago to assist those pilots (at the time there were 2172 pilots in that category) with COBRA insurance premiums. The fund was administered responsibly and effectively and resulted in a great many of our pilots being assisted at the time of their greatest need. On average, we were assessed about $15 to $20 a month and the cost seemed to be spread fairly among the 7,000 of us on the seniority list.
With the advent of the furlough of additional UAL pilots (presently 223) the fund was re-activated. HOWEVER, this time, instead of assessing funds as they were needed, the UAL-MEC apparently has decided to create a "super-fund" to address any contingency. This is not what ANY United pilot had in mind, especially when I received my first furlough fund assessment of $176.00! This was just for the month of December. That e-mail was followed by another e-mail from ALPA declaring that they had "made a mistake" and that my monthly assessment was ONLY $95.20.
After several calls to my Council Chairman and the UAL MEC Secretary Treasurer, APPARENTLY this assessment is CORRECT. If my assessment is representative of the pilot group, and about half the pilots contributing more and half contributing less, I figure that this one assessment garnered the UAL-MEC over $665,000. Now, if they split that amount evenly with EVERY current furloughee, that would net them nearly $3,000 EACH!
If the MEC was paying about $450 per furloughee for COBRA insurance, the cost would be approximately $100,350. So, that begs the question ---What is the UAL MEC doing with the extra $565,000 that it has CONFISCATED from the pilot group?
Since the UAL-MEC has pretty much severed all forms of two way communication with it's pilots, I'll toss it out here and MAYBE it will garner the attention of SOMEONE - if anyone cares anymore.
If you are a United pilot I strongly urge you to contact your local council officers and DEMAND an accounting for this assessment. This organization appears to be out of control.
And I'll sign my name -
Steve Derebey
Member
Council #27
I'm out of the loop right now taking care of transition requirements for my next employer. I'll take a look at my paycheck when I get home in a few days.
The only logical question is perhaps this is a catchup retro to September when the first furlough occured? Keep us posted if you get any info.
Lee B, C12, voluntary furlough Jan 14.
12-16-2008, 04:43 PM
#3
767 CAP
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: 757 / 767 Cap SEA
Posts: 53
Originally Posted by LeeFXDWG
Steve,
I'm out of the loop right now taking care of transition requirements for my next employer. I'll take a look at my paycheck when I get home in a few days.
The only logical question is perhaps this is a catchup retro to September when the first furlough occured? Keep us posted if you get any info.
Lee B, C12, voluntary furlough Jan 14.
I'm out of the loop right now taking care of transition requirements for my next employer. I'll take a look at my paycheck when I get home in a few days.
The only logical question is perhaps this is a catchup retro to September when the first furlough occured? Keep us posted if you get any info.
Lee B, C12, voluntary furlough Jan 14.
Steve
12-16-2008, 05:06 PM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: B737 CAPT IAH
Posts: 1,130
Originally Posted by SEA 737
I'll let you know, Lee. This is waaaaay out of whack. They've collected enough in one month to last the present group of furloughees over a year. Congratulations on your escape from the madness!
Steve
Steve
I agree and only hope there is a logical explanation.
As to my departure from UAL, purely selfish in nature. Just not what I signed up for (lawsuit was the final straw) and took an option where I'll see my 6 year old daughter every night....not to mention my wife.
Too old to play reindeer games anymore with UAL.
My best to you and everyone. Perhaps I'll return in the 10 year window but I doubt it. Time will tell.
Say hi to Herb for me and tell him to email if he has any more computer issues I can help with.
Frate,
Lee
12-16-2008, 05:31 PM
#5
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Position: Cap. 737
Posts: 293
I had received an e-mail stating the assessments were incorrect and were being modified, don't know what everyone is paying. I thought it was 1% of paycheck, so it seems it is relative to your income. Just a reminder, COBRA for a pilot with a family runs $1,500 a month. Don't know what we should be paying, but did want to point out that few pilots (if any) have a COBRA of $450. As one who paid into this fund last time and eventually had to use it and may have to use it again, I truly appreciate the fund. Hopefully any errors in its administration will be corrected immediately.
12-16-2008, 05:36 PM
#6
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: B737 CAPT IAH
Posts: 1,130
Originally Posted by SEA 737
I'll let you know, Lee. This is waaaaay out of whack. They've collected enough in one month to last the present group of furloughees over a year. Congratulations on your escape from the madness!
Steve
Steve
FWIW, I got a reply from a headsup I sent to SW about the issue. Reply indicated a SNAFU and that those affected would get an email from Natl on the issue that occured with the DCO.
SW didn't give me any other specifics.
Don't know why but he always replies quickly to my inquiries. Guess my rep preceeds me!
Lee
12-16-2008, 05:43 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: B737 CAPT IAH
Posts: 1,130
That matches SW's email reply.
And for the record, I was a yes voter both times and won't utilize the funds since I wasn't furloughed last time and am opening the out door myself this round.
Steve's issue with the amount is valid, however.
Lee
And for the record, I was a yes voter both times and won't utilize the funds since I wasn't furloughed last time and am opening the out door myself this round.
Steve's issue with the amount is valid, however.
Lee
12-16-2008, 05:43 PM
#8
767 CAP
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: 757 / 767 Cap SEA
Posts: 53
Originally Posted by LeeFXDWG
Steve,
FWIW, I got a reply from a headsup I sent to SW about the issue. Reply indicated a SNAFU and that those affected would get an email from Natl on the issue that occured with the DCO.
SW didn't give me any other specifics.
Don't know why but he always replies quickly to my inquiries. Guess my rep preceeds me!
Lee
FWIW, I got a reply from a headsup I sent to SW about the issue. Reply indicated a SNAFU and that those affected would get an email from Natl on the issue that occured with the DCO.
SW didn't give me any other specifics.
Don't know why but he always replies quickly to my inquiries. Guess my rep preceeds me!
Lee
Steve
12-16-2008, 05:48 PM
#9
767 CAP
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jun 2005
Position: 757 / 767 Cap SEA
Posts: 53
Originally Posted by SKMarz
I had received an e-mail stating the assessments were incorrect and were being modified, don't know what everyone is paying. I thought it was 1% of paycheck, so it seems it is relative to your income. Just a reminder, COBRA for a pilot with a family runs $1,500 a month. Don't know what we should be paying, but did want to point out that few pilots (if any) have a COBRA of $450. As one who paid into this fund last time and eventually had to use it and may have to use it again, I truly appreciate the fund. Hopefully any errors in its administration will be corrected immediately.
Steve
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