757Driver

Thanks for the chart Motch. Obviously some carriers have 2 different destinations for their excess contributions while we don't and are forced into the VEBA. What the esteemed gentleman UALinIAH doesn't seem to grasp is that not all of us want their VEBA over-funded into the hundreds of thousand range and are a bit averse to possibly giving that money away. Nice that he's ok with donating my money away to others but unfortunately, I'm not.

Scary to think this guy has anything to do with our Union and his over site of the R & I department.

Sincerely,

757 "The Independent Contractor" Driver

AxlF16

Interesting argument, but can you clarify something?

If the tradeoff for you having the choice to take the money in cash meant that the entire pilot group lost the ability to fund the VEBA tax free, would you be in favor of that?

757Driver

Not sure, but since I'm not in favor of the VEBA, (and never was), is our current set up fair to me and others?

Check out Motch's chart. There is a way of splitting the contributions and Hawaiian and Jet Blue seemed to have cracked the code.

AxlF16

Sounds to me like you ARE sure. Have you researched the details and/or submitted a resolution? What reason has the R&I committee given for not being able to do it the way Hawaiian and JetBlue do?

757Driver

I'd prefer the split plan but aren't you being selfish insisting on a VEBA plan that penalizes the higher wage earners amongst us?

Not sure why we can't split it ala JB & HA and I'd like to know why? This one size fits all mentality is frustrating and if other options are available, why not explore and pursue them?

AxlF16

I haven't insisted on anything.

You say you'd like to know why... Have you asked the R&I committee or your ALPA reps? Have you submitted a council resolution?

I'd like to know as well - that's why I'm asking you these questions. You're outspoken here with your complaints, so I assumed you have already asked these questions.

757Driver

Just did and the UALinIAH guy, (who is a R & I Committee member), rudely shot me down. Its obviously not up for discussion and I best shut my mouth.

Grumble

What you’re missing (or I missed you mention it) is that the VEBA is one of the few tax free pay/growth options we have. Putting that money in your B fund to pay those same medical bills that you’ll have in retirement.... it may be up when you withdraw it, it may be down, either way you’ll have to pay income tax on it.

It’s one less thing I need to pay for with taxable dollars in retirement, and I applaud ALPAs foresight in trying to find us more tax free avenues of compensation. Higher pay rates just increase our taxable income, if I have $250k in my VEBA the day I set the brake for the last time, then I know I’ve comfortably got my healthcare needs for my wife and I paid for and what’s in my B fund and other investments is ours for whatever we want to do with it. I’m not worried about what percentage I could possibly need in the future to cover unforeseen medical expenses.

757Driver

I do realize that G but I personally don't want to take the risk with that much money and let it possibly disappear. Some of us have other health care lined up where we really don't need that much and its frustrating to have a program like this that I most likely won't use.

To each their own regarding the VEBA and if you need $250k then so be it. Don't at all like the take it or leave it Committee member who suggests that I'm not a team player for not wanting to bequeath large sums of money to perfect strangers. Its obvious that other airlines have alternate plans that would benefit everyone so why not explore them?

AxlF16

How do you know he's an R&I committee member? I don't follow this forum that closely...are you sure or are you assuming?