Greetings all,

As many of you are aware, my term as your representative is completed at the end of this month. As usual, I will endeavor to keep this last missive brief and readable.

There have a number of things going on of late. For the most part, I would like to leave these to Captain Howie Pilcher to discuss with you. He is fully engaged and competently versed in the many issues that he now oversees on our behalf. There is, nonetheless, one issue I wish to discuss prior to my departure.

In the last number of weeks, there has been some apparent dissension amongst certain members of your MEC and the officer ranks. In my personal opinion, a number of individuals lost some style points in the manner in which they elected to communicate with the pilot group. So be it. There are a number of significant issues to be considered and style points are not the most important issue. Realistically, internal discussions within a governing body such as the MEC will often be contentious. That is clearly understood. People who volunteer for these positions do so with a common goal. However, it is not always agreed as to the best path for the achievement of these goals. In a democratic organization, it is incumbent upon the representatives to vigorously further their views and those of their constituents. Logically, universal agreement rarely occurs. This reality is the reason that the democratic process is required.

The public nature of some of the recent discourse may give way to an impression that is incorrect. That is that your MEC is not able to function effectively in representing you. Nothing could be further from the truth. Opposing views and confrontation are one of the most essential ingredients to arriving upon the proper course of action. To have no alternative opinions would fatally render this body to an anemic and ineffective forum only able to publish happy letters reflecting an implausible kind of group think. I am pleased to say that this MEC is comprised of passionate individuals who all believe in the merits of their positions and are prepared to further these. That essential difference of opinion is clearly a part of the decision making process of this MEC.

As many of you are also aware, three of these individuals will face a recall in the coming month. Though not usual, it is certainly not unprecedented. I feel that this is a reflection of the democratic process. The issue at hand for the members of councils 7 and 22 is whether or not they feel satisfied that their interests are adequately represented. They and only they may answer that question. This is yet another aspect of our democratic process at work. Nobody said it would always be pretty. However, there is no finer demonstration of the democratic process than when a FedEx pilot is able to directly and unequivocally have his voice heard.

So why am I making this statement now? As I prepare to leave my position as your representative, I asked myself if I feel confident about the current state of the organization charged with our representation. Upon considered reflection, I can state that I do. I can say this based upon the fact that ours is a democratic organization. Though the outcome is not always perfect, and the process is often not pretty, it is designed to move forward with the interests of the FedEx pilots as its reason for being. In that, I am also convicted in my belief that each individual who steps up on our behalf does so with honorable intent and with the firm desire to defend and to better our careers. It is in the democratic process of this organization and the integrity of its members that I find a great deal of faith. Recent episodes of drama will be long forgotten as we confront the larger issues before us.

As instructors, I can also state that we are truly fortunate to have Captain Howie Pilcher stepping up to be our representative. The coming year will be a critical time for all of us. There are great many challenges coming our way. This will require intelligent and vigorous representation on our behalf. There is no question in my mind that Captain Pilcher is the man for that job. He has a learned and measured approach to many of our problems. Combined with a perspective that is earned from many years as a pilot and an instructor, there is no question that our interests will be well represented.

For the opportunity to serve as your representative for these past three years, I thank you.

With the best regards, Paul