January 27, 2012

Special Update

Fellow Block 2 Pilots,

I know you’re being inundated with communications from ALPA, but I feel this letter is important. Why? First of all, my integrity has been called in to question as allegations from the Block 1 and 4 reps make is sound like the other MEC reps are asleep at the wheel. Secondly, I must lend credence to what Captain Stratton and Captain McDonald wrote as they and hardworking committee people have also been impugned. It is very difficult for me to honor my own policy of “attack ideas, not people” in this case, but I will do my best.

So . . . what’s the problem? Short answer—there isn’t one. The idea that your money is being mismanaged is false. FDX ALPA goes above and beyond with a Financial Review Committee that no other MEC has. And since these allegations have been raised, an audit by ALPA National has taken place that found no discrepancies.

How about the idea that the current MEC leadership is incapable of having the stomach to stand up and face management in serious negotiations? I see them using their brains and not just their gut. They have fostered a good working relationship with management and there’s no way that’s a bad thing. And as for the way the “cargo cut out” evolved, the VP of Flight Ops has put it in print that FedEx never argued for a cut out, either publicly or privately. Did they attend meetings? Sure, it’s public record. You ever been to a town planning board meeting? I have. How else are you going to know what the neighbors are up to?

How about the idea that you were not involved in any meaningful way? Sorry folks, again false. Like it or not, we cannot negotiate in public. Pilots don’t like surprises. I get that and, if possible, you won’t be. I don’t agree with the idea that you were nudged in a direction as it seems to me that the membership was given all the info that could be given at the time. I also don’t agree with the idea of sitting silently in the back of a meeting and then complaining the next day that your ideas weren’t presented.

How about the idea that the democratic process here is broken? Seems to me that it’s working pretty well. Some people are dissatisfied with reps who have shown a lack of respect for the MEC, its officers, and the membership. Please note I didn’t say “disagree with” rather “respect.”

And yes, some of them work on committees. The idea that they’re in place to feed from the gravy train is ludicrous. The line at the office would be much longer if that were true, or maybe we’d even have a line! We’re lucky to have this current crop of very capable and hardworking volunteers. You’re getting a lot of bang for your buck and this comes directly from our current MEC chairman’s leadership.

Bottom line—things aren’t broken! As always, if you need more info, get in touch.

Respectfully,

/s/

Jim Mumby, Chairman

FDX Council 22

Seniority Block 2 Rep

Jim.Mumby@alpa.org

518-932-6770