Sirs:

What are YOUR T/A and CBA expectations?

If you don’t think we’re just a bit behind on updating our retirement plan(s), consider the following from the IRS:

Effective Jan. 1, 2013, the limitation on the annual benefit under a defined benefit plan under Section 415(b)(1)(A) is increased from $200,000 to $205,000. For a participant who separated from service before Jan. 1, 2013, the limitation for defined benefit plans under Section 415(b)(1)(B) is computed by multiplying the participant's compensation limitation, as adjusted through 2012, by 1.0170.

At FedEx, the calculation in our CBA limits the annual defined benefit to $130,000 ($260,000 x .02 x 25 years). We’re about $75,000 short on what we should be targeting just in retirement. The 2% multiple above needs to be increased to at least 3% to get us close ($260,000 x .03 x 25 years = $195,000 per year). This single item will benefit every crewmember – even the non member management minions.

We need SIGNIFICANT improvements across the board in this T/A – pay, work rules, scheduling, health care, and retirement. Most of us want a fix with 4.A.2.b., sick, jury duty, the deviation bank process, accepted fares and open time (reserve transparency and trip trading). It’s time to move forward. No more “we’ll work on that in our next T/A” crap. CONTRACT NOW. Wear your lanyard. Take ownership of the process and be in this 100%.

Very Respectfully,
Nakazawa

As always, on target with all of this. I couldn't agree more...except for the chauvinistic opener, "Sirs".

Agree with wildmanny. We have some ladies at the company and on this forum that want a contract too. Now.

I was simply poking fun at Naka. See the laughing smile! He's a good dude and to get this back on track, his points are extremely valid.

More security through retirement, please.

+ 1

It is common for people to vote reference their CURRENT station in life. Those things are present here and now. It stands to reason that it is more difficult to give weight to things that will become primary in one's life farther down the road. But retirement comes all too soon It takes TIME to build a retirement so NOW is the time to start making the decision that will follow you to your retirement date.

I hope the company understands they're not saving money by delaying a contract, they're increasing our expectations that will equate to increased costs the longer they screw with us.

Naka, well said and polite as usual. Thanks. Check out today's MEC letter comparing our expectations and the company's latest position.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

My first post here addressed retirement. Our vision needs continued expansion for YOUR future (I’m outta here soon).

SCHEDULING – PBS WILL GOON US!!!

In 2001, the CBA allowed for 5 continents in a pairing. When that didn’t work for the Company and their efficiencies, the solution was to allow the Company to use 6 continents [by not counting the continent where the trip began]. As we transitioned to the GRID, Time Zone Differentials (TZDs), the crew force continued to migrate backwards while the Company enjoyed massive scheduling goonage of the crew force. Also in 2001/2, the Company was limited to two flight segments after the return to a gateway city from an international location. That wasn’t working so well for the Company, so they asked for and received permission to use two duty periods instead of the two flight segment restriction. The result was back-to-back-to-back Pacific crossings. Limitations we had fought for evaporated.

If you don’t understand the magnitude of these givebacks, take a look at an old bidpack – 15 years ago – compared to where we are today. I certainly don’t fault the Company for wanting to optimize their efficiencies, but in most cases, we got NOTHING in return. Battles were also addressed and lost in the disputed pairing process. The SIG continues to ask us to not pick up and fly disputed pairings. When we do, we’re giving the Company leverage to screw us – and they do.

Before the domestic crews get all over this, remember that you haven’t crossed 18 time zones with a sling-shot for 18 more, had 7 circadian swaps, dealt with foreign languages, international altimetry and bogus (China) RVSM and lateral offset procedures. We all know the issues with lost city purity, hub turns, standbys and out-and-backs, and a myriad of issues that have destroyed the domestic flying quality. They need fixed too.

This is the CBA to move forward. This is the CBA to set the precedent that we want to be rewarded for our contribution to the success of FDX Corp. If you think we’re only minimally responsible for this success, the worlds premier overnight express shipping company, then your reward will be accordingly minimal.

Get that lanyard on. Show the Company you care.

Very Respectfully,
Nakazawa

nakazawa,

I am glad we have guys like you as leaders in the crew force. Again, well said.

You're right, Cloud! Naka-san is one of our better ones!!
fbh