Negotiations
 

Well folks, it appears it’s time to settle in for the long haul vis a vis negotiations & the latest EB update. I believe this was always going to be the case & if not for the recent tragedy on property, there would’ve been some other reason for the company to decide to dig their heels in. FWIW, while I was staunchly opposed to the last extension, I do not believe that this is the time to waylay the EB. I’m prepared to give them the room they need to negotiate, knowing that should a substandard TA somehow emerge from negotiations, I will not be voting for it, regardless of any EB recommendation. In the meantime, given the company’s scheduling practices, denial of premiums, inability to pay us correctly (I guarantee UPS’s internal accounting is not so plagued with errors), general lack of civility, and stark callousness in the face of tragedy, I personally will continue to enjoy what little time I get to spend at home with my family and loved ones. While I’ve certainly disagreed with some of the decisions the EB has made recently, I am fully prepared to follow any and all direction that they give in the months and years ahead. I hope the majority of the membership agrees with this assessment. UPS was never going to give us the contract we deserve out of the goodness of their hearts. Time for us to step up and earn it.

My EB, has and will continue to, speak for me!!

Really no better way to proceed.

For all people looking to come here…

This place is a true dumpster fire, stay away. We are making Fedex look like a great job.

Our management’s own words, we are not an airline and proud to be different (different in every way from an airline).

The only thing in common we have with an airline is we fly planes, that’s it. And now as we are seeing, the two extensions are exacerbating, compounding the deep problem.

I wouldn’t tell anyone not to come here, and that’s coming from someone with serious buyer’s remorse. Only reason I say that is because I watched others say the same thing on the SWA forums during their negotiations and apparently a few people passed up a good opportunity. Now listening to strangers on the internet isn’t a good idea as we all know.

I will say to anyone thinking about coming here to do your homework, from 1st year pay all the way to what schedules you’ll be flying during your last year here. The pedestal that we were on post 9/11 and during the lost decade is gone. Might or might not happen again but a lot has changed.

All of this is before I get to the fact that we’ve had 3 fatal accidents within the past 15yrs. At this point i think it can be argued that we have a systemic safety issue and until it’s addressed we’ll keep adding plaques in the ASC. Sounds dramatic but it’s something for prospective new hires to think about.

All I can say to my fellow IPA’ers is to take care of each other. Most if not all of us still have healing wounds even if you didn’t know any of the individuals on 2976, and unfortunately some of those wounds will be reopened if the CVR is released and when the final report is released.

I spent 30 yrs at UPS. Best job I ever had, worst place I have ever worked. I spent 20 yrs on the MD-11, absolutely a wonderful aircraft. I knew the crew of 2976 very well. Flew with them over the years and had many great conversations with them. It is so very sad for them and there families.

How would you feel if we were in this exact same position right now, but making approx 20% less?

I cant confidently say that'd be the case anymore than you can say we'd have a Rockstar new contract.

May be best to focus on the now than casting stones about the past based on impossible predictions.

Physics says if you lean forward enough, you fall on your face.

I dont think we have a safety issue, rather than we work for a company that doesnt priorotize safety at all. They just love to throw that word around while practicing anything but.

For a decade I was on the "come to UPS, its great" train, but my eyes are open now. I dont believe anyone should come here unless circumstances dictate it. What UPS is doing would be considered unprecedented in any legacy carrier. Dont forget theyre "proud to be different".

That phrase should really hit home as to who we work for.

I think we are way beyond the point of blaming the people who pick up OT or JAs for the situation we find ourselves in. You can’t find a crappy South Florida 135 operator with the death toll we have. The abuse of our contract by our employer is staggering. The daily harassment on expenses is in a league of its own. Add to that catering f-ups, payroll f-ups, hotel f-ups. The harassment of the pilot group by managers for the most mundane “infractions”. Allowing jets to fly after engines fall off. Contract negotiations grinding to a halt. Line holder schedule changes happening on a near daily basis with minimal penalty to the company. Every piece of technology we interact with is the worst possible solution available. And the list goes on. To blame all this on guys picking up trios is absolutely insane. The place we work at absolutely sucks right now. This job is f-ing terrible right now. For the 60 plus/30 year plus crowd waiting on an A plan bump….it ain’t happening anytime soon. So GTFO before they kill you too. I really hope things change but right now it looks bleak.