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Mar 20

Fly By Night: Strike Authorization Vote

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Vice Chair First Officer Tom Merrill and MEC Executive Administrator First Officer Brian Baldwin. Tom and Brian discuss the MEC’s resolution authorizing the MEC Chair to call for a strike authorization vote and provide background information leading up to this decision. They discuss what a strike authorization vote means and the importance of every pilot participating in the process and continuing to remain engaged. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Mar 01

Fly By Night: Council 22 Chair/Block 2 Representative Capt. Tony Cutler

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 22 Chair and Block 2 Representative, Captain Tony Cutler. Tony discusses his background prior to joining FedEx and his previous union experience. Tony also discusses his role as a member of the MEC and what fellow pilots can do as we continue in Section 6 negotiations.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jan 27

Fly By Night: RLA Process January 2023

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Vice Chair First Officer Tom Merrill and MEC Executive Administrator First Officer Brian Baldwin. Tom and Brian discuss the RLA process and where we’re currently at in that process. They expound on the expedited  mediation concept and explain what comes next in the process. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Dec 12

Fly By Night: DAL MEC Replay “Lawyers, Guns, & Money

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we are replaying the Delta MEC podcast titled Lawyers, Guns, & Money which was initially released on June 22, 2022. In this podcast First Officer Ryan Argenta, Delta Engage podcast host and Delta MEC Communications Committee Member, and Marcus Migliore, ALPA General Council and Director, Legal Department discuss the implications of the Railway Labor Act (RLA) on Section 6 negotiations and how pilot-coordinated self-help actions can adversely derail progress at the table. 

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Nov 09

Fly By Night: Trip Services Committee November 2022 Update

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with the Trip Services Committee Chair Captain Jay Owen and Trip Services Committee Vice Chair Captain Don Unwin. Jay and Don discuss how they became involved in union work, their committee’s goal when serving the FedEx pilots and outline some of the processes involved with hotel and catering issues. Additionally, they discuss what pilots can do to assist their committee’s purpose.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Oct 31

Fly By Night: Bereavement Committee – October 2022

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Bereavement Committee Chair Captain Craig Aber and Bereavement Committee Vice Chair First Officer Jim Coletti. Craig and Jim discuss how they became involved in union work and the various ways the Bereavement Committee helps fellow pilots. They discuss the importance of familiarizing yourself with the Survivor’s Guide and designating a Casualty Assistant Liaison (CAL).     

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jun 08

Fly By Night: SPSC Update, June 2022 / Informational Picketing

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee (SPSC) Chair, First Officer Eric Moraes. Eric discusses recent SPSC and Family Awareness co-branded events. He also discusses the upcoming Pilot Rally and Informational Picketing on June 28th in Memphis. Finally, Eric provides details on how to RSVP and the importance of having pilots show up and be counted.

Click here to RSVP.

Click here to view the transcript.

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May 25

Fly By Night: Negotiating Committee – Nearing the End of the Protocol Agreement

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Negotiating Committee Chair Captain Pat May and Negotiating Committee Member Captain Rich Brown. Pat and Rich discuss approaching the end of the protocol agreement goal of reaching a TA by the end of May. They discuss where we are now and what happens next. They provide a negotiations update and discuss what they have been working on in recent negotiating sessions, the upcoming Informational Picketing, and the importance of pilot unity and pilots showing up to support the Negotiating Committee.

Click here to view the transcript.

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May 21

Fly By Night: Negotiating Committee May 2022

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Negotiating Committee Chair Captain Pat May and Negotiating Committee Member Captain Rich Brown. Pat and Rich discuss other agreements that have been negotiated such as the Hong Kong base closure MOU and an updated Medical Measures MOU all while continuing with the larger Section 6 negotiations. They discuss what is similar and what’s different in the new Medical Measures MOU and other details related to this MOU. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Mar 07

Fly By Night: MEC Officer Update, March 2022

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Chair Captain Chris Norman, MEC Vice Chair First Officer Tom Merrill and MEC Secretary Treasurer First Officer Don Loepke. The MEC officers discuss their union experience and background prior to joining FedEx. They also provide an update regarding current issues and how they view their role as MEC officers versus their prior positions as MEC representatives. Finally, they provide an update regarding negotiations and what every pilot can do to support the Negotiating Committee.

Click here to view transcript.

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Nov 17

Fly By Night: Council 7 Vice Chair/Block 4 Representative Anita Shew

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 7 Vice Chair and Block 4 Representative, First Officer Anita Shew. Anita discusses her background prior to joining FedEx, her previous union experience and explains what pushed her to get involved with FDX ALPA union work. Anita also discusses her role as a member of the MEC and addresses the challenges of MEC turnover. Finally, she discusses Contract 2021, what pilots can do to support the Negotiating Committee, and provides final thoughts related to other topics.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Nov 11

Fly By Night: Council 500 Chair/Block 14 Representative Tim Fingers

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 500 Chair and Block 14 Representative, Captain Tim Fingers. Tim discusses his background before joining FedEx, why he chose to get involved with union work, and how he views his role as a member of the MEC. He also discusses Contract 2021, the line pilot’s role during negotiations, and some of the current issues happening in the Indy base.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Sep 27

Fly By Night: Security Committee, September 2021

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Bill Schild, Security Committee Chair, about the roles and responsibilities of the Security Committee. Bill also discusses his background and who makes up the Security Committee for FDX ALPA. He explains the Security Committee’s coordination with FedEx’s Aviation Security Department and current initiatives that pilots can get involved in to help the Security Committee.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Sep 21

Fly By Night: Strategic Preparedness & Strike Committee (SPSC)

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Uncategorized

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with First Officer Eric Moraes, SPSC Chair, who discusses his committee’s mission regarding the MEC’s strategic plan and the role SPSC plays during contract negotiations. He also discusses the importance of continuing to be engaged, seeking factual information. Additionally, Eric emphasizes how actively participating and volunteering are critical during contract negotiations. The SPSC is currently seeking volunteers to assist in one of the many tasks associated with the planning of SPSC events.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Sep 13

Fly by Night: LEC 26 Vice Chair/Block 11 Representative Nick Bolander

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 26 Vice Chair and Block 11 Representative, Captain Nick Bolander. Nick discusses his position as Block 11 Representative, Contract 2021 Negotiations, the importance of pilots being engaged and informed, and the Company’s proposals to date during negotiations. He also discusses the importance of having accurate and updated contact information with ALPA and the importance of unity during contract negotiations. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Aug 25

Fly By Night: Retirement & Insurance Committee, August 2021

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Retirement & Insurance (R&I) Chair Captain Kevin Biggins who discusses his background and union experience, the makeup of the R&I Committee to include the roles and responsibilities of the R&I Committee. He also discusses the upcoming benefits open enrollment dates and other enrollment deadlines, including a new law that might impact any FedEx pilot who lives in the state of Washington. Finally, he discusses his committee’s involvement with the Negotiating Committee during Contract 2021 negotiations and the best way to contact the R&I Committee.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Aug 12

Fly By Night: MEC Chairman August 2021 Update

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Dave Chase, MEC Chair who discusses the delays and difficulties our pilots face due to flight operations and COVID, the Delta variant and the importance of testing especially on international flights, upcoming Family Awareness events in Anchorage, Indianapolis and Memphis, where to find information on the state of our current negotiations, and his recent resignation announcement.  

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jul 15

Fly By Night: Fatigue

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Dave Chase, MEC Chairman, Captain Rich Hughey, Safety Committee Chairman, Captain Marty Harrington, Scheduling Committee Chairman and Captain Rob Bassett, Fatigue Risk Management Committee Chairman who discuss the issue of fatigue, contractual language regarding fatigue, the risk fatigue poses to our operations and our pilots, how system form is flown day to day compared to the CBA, what happens when you call in fatigued, the trip removal process and other fatigue related topics.  

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jun 28

Fly By Night: Safety Committee

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Rich Hughey, Safety Committee Chairman, Captain Steve Heid, Safety Committee Vice Chairman and Captain Jim Perry, Safety Committee Vice Chairman who discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Safety Committee, Safety Programs, the System Safety Group, the Safety Program Group, mitigating risks, the COVID Safety Working Group, the importance of pilot reports, and how distractions can impact safety.

Click here to view the transcript.

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May 27

Fly By Night: LEC 79 Chairman / Block 9 Representative Bob Cecchi

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 79 Chairman and Block 9 Representative, Captain Bob Cecchi. Bob discusses his background, his union experience, volunteerism, his role as MEC Representative to the Anchorage based pilots, the pilots’ role during contract negotiations, and the growth of the Anchorage base. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Apr 16

Fly By Night: The SIG & PSIT

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Marty Harrington, Scheduling Committee Chairman who discusses his background, the roles and responsibilities of his committee to include the Scheduling Improvement Group (SIG) and the Pilot Scheduling Improvement Team (PSIT), the bidpack build process, the challenges of this last year and how the pandemic has impacted scheduling, the new sunrise sort, and manning. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Mar 25

Fly By Night: Professional Standards Committee

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Mark Jefferson, Professional Standards Committee Chairman who discusses his background, pilot volunteers on the committee, what Professional Standards does for the pilots, the Professional Standards Letter of Agreement (LOA), how and why pilots come to Professional Standards, what Professional Standards does not do, how to handle a conflict, and the importance of solidarity and participation in organized labor.  

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jan 06

Fly By Night: Negotiating Committee Introduction

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Negotiating Committee Chairman, Captain Pat May, Negotiating Committee Member, Captain Mike Weskalnies, and Negotiating Committee Member, Captain Rich Brown. They discuss their background on the Negotiating Committee, their experience negotiating agreements with the Company, the topic of professional negotiators, what pilots can expect and how they can help as we move into bargaining for Contract 2021.  

Click here to view the transcript.

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Nov 05

Fly By Night: MEC Officer November 2020 Update

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Chairman, Captain Dave Chase, MEC Vice Chairman, Captain Bill Hubbell, and MEC Secretary/Treasurer, First Officer Don Loepke. They discuss the current uptick in COVID positive cases within the pilot group, flight operations as it is associated with the COVID pandemic, the Everbridge App and Crew Member Health Monitoring Form, COVID Protocols, Hong Kong layovers returning in the December bid pack, and peak operations.  

Click here to view the transcript.

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Oct 15

Fly By Night: 2020 Annual Benefits Enrollment

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In the episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Ben Douglas, R&I Committee Chairman about the Annual Benefits Enrollment period that is now open. Ben discusses the enrollment period dates, what elections the pilots are allowed to make during this enrollment period, what happens if you don’t make any elections, and the new fedexpilots.bswift.com website associated with the annual benefits enrollment period.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Sep 23

Fly By Night: LEC 100 Chairman / Block 12 Representative Mark Vaughan

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 100 Chairman and Block 12 Representative, First Officer Mark Vaughan. Mark discusses his background, his motivation for becoming a MEC Representative, his role as MEC Representative to the Los Angeles based pilots, the pilots’ role as we go into negotiations, the importance of pilot participation including the ongoing survey, and preparations for Contract 2021.   

Click here to view the transcript. 

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Sep 04

Fly By Night: MEC Officer September 2020 Update

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Chairman, Captain Dave Chase, MEC Vice Chairman, Captain Bill Hubbell, and MEC Secretary/Treasurer, First Officer Don Loepke. They provide an update on the current work within the Association, discuss virtual Pilot Unity Building (PUB) Events, the upcoming online survey, and the importance of participation as we prepare for contract 2021. 

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Sep 03

Retirement Education Series: Episode 7

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In podcast 7 of the Retirement Education Series Captain Pat May (Negotiating Committee Chairman), Captain Rich Brown (Negotiating Committee Member), Captain Ben Douglas (Retirement & Insurance Committee Chairman) and Captain Kevin Biggins (Retirement & Insurance Committee Vice Chairman) discuss the goals of the Retirement Education Series, the pros and cons of DC-only plans, flat dollar formulas, improving the benefits in our current defined benefit plan and the proposed PSPP plan. Our team of SMEs also discuss our retirement negotiating history, a cash balance plan and preparations for contract 2021. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Aug 19

Retirement Education Series: Episode 6

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In podcast 6 of the Retirement Education Series Captain Pat May (Negotiating Committee Chairman), Captain Rich Brown (Negotiating Committee Member), and Captain Ben Douglas (Retirement & Insurance Chairman) discuss an alternative pension plan design that was presented to FedEx in 2018.  Our team of SME’s discuss how we arrived at the Pilot Stabilized Pension Plan (PSPP), the plan design, potential features, accrual, and funding requirements.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Aug 13

Podcast Transcripts

By Uncategorized

Podcasts are listed from newest to oldest.

Retirement Education Series: Episode 5
Retirement Education Series: Episode 4
Fly By Night: LEC 22 Secretary Treasurer/ Block 7 Representative Brian Wald
Retirement Education Series: Episode 3
Retirement Education Series: Episode 2
Fly By Night: LEC 7 Secretary Treasurer/Block 8 Representative Nick Bolander
Fly By Night: MEC Officer Update
Retirement Education Series: Episode 1
Fly By Night: MEC Vice Chairman, Captain Bill Hubbell
Fly By Night: Captain Dave Chase, MEC Chairman
Fly By Night: COVID-19 Episode 2
Fly By Night: COVID-19
Fly By Night: Section 24 OIM
Fly By Night: Training Committee
Fly By Night: Trip Services
Fly By Night: Casualty Assistance Liaison
Fly By Night: Pilot Assistance Team Hotline
Fly By Night: Open Enrollment & Benefits Seminars
Fly By Night: Strategic Preparedness Strike Committee
Fly By Night: LEC 7 Secretary Treasurer/Block 8 Representative
Fly By Night: Anthem Health Rewards Program
Fly By Night: FDX MEC LTD Plan

Aug 07

Retirement Education Series: Episode 5

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In episode 5 of the Retirement Education Series Captain Pat May (Negotiating Committee Chairman), Captain Rich Brown (Negotiating Committee Member), Captain Ben Douglas (Retirement & Insurance Chairman), and Captain Kevin Biggins (Retirement & Insurance Vice Chairman) discuss defined contribution plans, the advantages and disadvantages of defined contribution plans, IRS limits in defined contribution plans and a defined benefit plan that has the characteristics of a defined contribution plan called a cash balance plan.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jul 31

Retirement Education Series: Episode 4

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In episode 4 of our Retirement Education Series podcast, we talk with Captain Pat May (Negotiating Committee Chairman), Captain Ben Douglas (Retirement & Insurance Chairman), and Captain Kevin Biggins (Retirement & Insurance Vice Chairman).They discuss economic and non-economic risk that is associated with both a DC and a DB plan. They discuss inflation risk, longevity risk, investment risk and bankruptcy risk.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jul 29

Fly By Night: LEC 22 Secretary Treasurer/ Block 7 Representative Brian Wald

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 22 Secretary-Treasurer and Block 7 Representative, First Officer Brian Wald. Brian discusses his background, his union experience, his motivation for becoming a MEC Representative, volunteerism, the pilots’ role as we go into negotiations, the upcoming online survey this fall and the importance of pilot participation, the COVID pandemic, preparations for Contract 2021, and the understanding that We Are ALPA.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jul 22

Retirement Education Series: Episode 3

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In Episode 3 of our Retirement Education Series podcast, we talk with Captain Ben Douglas, R&I Committee Chairman and Captain Rich Brown, Negotiating Committee Member. They discuss the history of the defined benefit and defined contribution plans at FedEx and the advantages and disadvantages of the defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

Click here to view the transcript. 

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Jul 08

Retirement Education Series: Episode 2

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In Episode 2 of our Retirement Education Series podcast, we talk with Captain Ben Douglas, R&I Committee Chairman and Captain Rich Brown, Negotiating Committee Member. They discuss qualified and non-qualified plans, what qualified and non-qualified plans we have and the formulas associated with our defined benefit and defined contribution plans.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jul 06

Fly By Night: LEC 7 Secretary Treasurer/Block 8 Representative Nick Bolander

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Council 7 Secretary-Treasurer and Block 8 Representative, Captain Nick Bolander. Nick provides an update on preparations for Contract 2021 during the COVID pandemic. He also discuss the pilots’ role in Section 6 negotiations, recent union wins, the online web-based survey coming in the fall, pilot participation, “My Union Speaks for Me” and pilot unity.

Click here to view the transcript. 

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Jun 26

Fly By Night: MEC Officer Update

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Chairman Captain Dave Chase, MEC Vice Chairman Captain Bill Hubbell, and MEC Secretary/Treasurer First Officer Don Loepke. They provide an update on the coronavirus and its impact on flight operations, discuss coronavirus testing sites, business necessity jumpseats, issues with the Crew Travel desk, results of our latest phone survey, and preparations for contract 2021. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jun 24

Retirement Education Series: Episode 1

By Fly by Night, Podcasts, Retirement Education

In Episode 1 of our Retirement Education Series podcast, we talk with Captain Ben Douglas, R&I Committee Chairman and Captain Rich Brown, Negotiating Committee Member. They discuss the retirement education series, why we are talking about retirement now, different types of retirement plans to include defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jun 12

Fly By Night: MEC Vice Chairman, Captain Bill Hubbell

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Vice Chairman Captain Bill Hubbell.  Bill discusses his first days in office as MEC Vice Chairman, his background at FedEx and previous union experience, his previous role on the Coronavirus response team, his current role as MEC Vice Chairman, preparations for Contract 2021, and volunteerism.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Jun 01

Fly By Night: Captain Dave Chase, MEC Chairman

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Chairman Captain Dave Chase. Today marks Dave’s first day in office as MEC Chairman. Dave discusses his role as he moves from Vice Chairman to Chairman, challenges and opportunities, operating during the coronavirus pandemic, preparations for Contract 2021, the ongoing phone survey and upcoming retirement education.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Apr 02

Fly By Night: COVID-19 Episode 2

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Vice Chairman Captain Dave Chase. Dave discusses PDR question trends related to the coronavirus pandemic, creating working groups with the Company to help resolve issues, PPE (personal protective equipment) availability, social distancing, aircraft cleaning, training in this current environment, training building protections, different country testing procedures and COVID-19 testing. 

Click here to view the transcript.

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Mar 13

Fly By Night: COVID-19

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with MEC Chairman Captain Pete Harmon, MEC Vice-Chairman Captain Dave Chase, and Negotiating Committee Chairman Captain Pat May. Throughout this podcast, they discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the recently released China Flying OIM (Ongoing Implementation Measure), the importance of submitting PDRs, transit hotels, hotel confinement, fatiguing flight sequences, jumpseating and other issues related to the flight operations during the coronavirus pandemic. 

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Jan 09

Fly By Night: Section 24 OIM

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Pat May, Negotiating Committee Chairman and Captain Rich Brown, Negotiating Committee Member. They discuss the recently released Negotiating Committee communication regarding the Section 24 OIM (Ongoing Implementation Measure). Throughout this podcast they discuss why we have OIMs, the OIM process, highlights of this particular Section 24 OIM, what changed for FDA pilots, the difference between a notional and an actual award, the Micro System Bid and some new terminology. 

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Dec 20

Fly By Night: Training Committee

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Walt Owen, Training Committee Chairman. Walt discusses his background, his union experience, the role of the Training Committee, the Training Review Board (TRB), the Enhanced Oversight Program (EOP), the Proficiency Enhancement Partnership Program (PEPP) and the importance of providing feedback in the training environment.

Click here to view the transcript.

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Aug 15

Fly By Night: Membership

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast we talk with Captain Vic Tansey, Membership Committee Chairman. Vic discusses his background, his lengthy union experience, pilot hiring, the retiree recognition program, the pilot mentoring program, volunteerism and unionism.

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Jul 18

Fly By Night: Retirement & Insurance

By Fly by Night, Podcasts

In this episode of our podcast, we talk with Captain Ben Douglas, Retirement & Insurance Committee Chairman, who discusses his background, the pilot volunteers and ALPA staff on his committee, Retirement Seminars, recent changes to our pharmacy benefit, annual benefit enrollment dates, and the Pilot Retirement Savings Plan (PRSP).

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Mar 12

Quality of Life Initiative: Pilot Data Report (PDR)

By News, Quality of Life

Pilot Data Report (PDR)

We understand the importance of open communication between you and your union and we are always working to advance the way we interact with our members. We are excited to tell you about a new addition to our Quality of Life Initiative, an online tool called Pilot Data Report (PDR). The PDR is a web-based system accessible from your desktop, smartphone or tablet with identifying information, drop-down menu categories, a comment box and a place to attach supporting documents. Once logged in, the system will populate much of your information such as name, employee number, seat position and aircraft. When you make your selection in the drop-down menu, the system will send your report to the appropriate committee or resource within the union for action.

It is our hope that the PDR will become a useful and convenient place for you to communicate with your union on a variety of topics. Should you experience any problems on the line or simply just want to communicate with us, click anywhere you see the PDR logo to access the system and fill out a report. You can also find the PDR here and bookmark the web address. 

As we get more and more reports from you, the PDR will allow us to track problem areas and trends that are occurring or reoccurring. This is just one more tool in the toolbox to enhance our working quality of life while enhancing our communications.  

Our goal is to always find better ways to hear from you. While this new system has been tested extensively prior to its launch, we will continue to make any tweaks necessary to improve this process.  

Please keep in mind, the user experience will improve with higher participation rates, so please utilize the PDR system. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Nov 06

Quality of Life Initiative: Secondary Line Generator

By News, Quality of Life

Secondary Line Generator

In a recent Quality of Life communication we briefly touched on the secondary line system and we would now like to expand on this topic.

In an effort to clear up a misconception that some pilots seem to have, the current secondary line system fiasco many of you are now experiencing belongs to the Company. Due to the current chaos surrounding the “upgrade” and its results, one could well imagine the Company would like our pilots to believe otherwise.

We were only allowed to beta test the system for the Company and provide input. During that testing we discovered and relayed to the Company that the system was fraught with programming issues. We felt it was imperative that the Company provide pilots with, at a minimum, a clear user guide to include a list of definitions. After it was turned on for the HKG, LAX and IND bases, we recommended that any outstanding issues be worked out before the system was rolled out to additional bases. Our recommendation was discounted and the rollout continued. The upgrade was simply not ready for systemwide implementation.

Obviously, the Company felt otherwise.

Although the Company may not be violating any CBA provisions, it has certainly not garnered the enthusiasm they wanted and needed. It is simply not ready. As pilots, we like to know the rules, but how can we know those rules when the Company refuses to provide any guidance or take any ownership? This product and the lack of a helpful user guide would never pass muster or quality control if FedEx was offering it to its clients and consumers. We ought to expect the same ‘professional’ treatment as our quality of life depends greatly on the schedules that come from systems such as this.

In the absence of a user guide from the Company, we are providing you with the attached Guerrilla Guide to the Secondary Line System. As we move into Peak, this is our attempt to provide you with some helpful guidance as to how we understand some features of the current upgrade. We are doing it to fill an obvious void created by the Company. Hopefully, in the future, the Company will stop ignoring the chaos this upgrade has created and at least provide all of us, at a minimum, a detailed and in-depth Company user guide for its own upgrade. We are standing by.

Oct 22

Quality of Life Initiative: Insurance

By News, Quality of Life

Company Reports: FedEx’s Rebate System

As part of our Quality of Life Initiative, we would like to highlight a couple of benefits that we believe you should consider during this open enrollment period. Please note, the annual open enrollment period for FedEx benefits opened on October 18, 2018, and runs through November 1, 2018.

FDX MEC Long-Term Disability: Special Enrollment Period, November 1-December 31, 2018
We have negotiated a substantial reduction in premium costs, which complements and greatly enhances the total long-term disability (LTD) package offered by the corporation and the union. This plan provides 17 percent of pre-disability income, and that benefit is not subject to federal income tax or most state income tax as well. During the special enrollment period, Evidence of Insurability (EOI) is NOT REQUIRED with proof of an approved FAA physical.

ALPA Critical Illness & Accident Insurance: Year-Round Enrollment Begins November 1, 2018
Critical Illness and Accident Insurance are two separate plans that provide a cash benefit payout that when used with the wellness benefit, can reduce your payments to little or nothing. For example, if you are married with two children, elect Accident Insurance, and obtain the max wellness credit (by submitting an annual wellness exam for you and each covered dependent), your monthly premium would be $5.24 a month.

Yes, we know this sounds too good to be true but please reach out to the R&I Committee (901-752-8749 or FedEx-R&IChair@alpa.org) for further details.

There are multiple covered accidents that qualify for benefits under this plan. For example, if you have an emergency room visit, the plan will pay you $300. If a covered participant fractures their leg, the cash payout would be between $2,500 and $5,000.

A s you can see, we believe these benefits will greatly enhance your quality of life. For more information, please see this recent communication, which provides more detail, or call the FedEx ALPA office at 901-752-8749 and ask to speak with a benefits specialist.

Oct 04

Quality of Life Initiative: Company Reports

By News, Quality of Life

Company Reports: FedEx’s Rebate System

You hear us say this all the time, “no data, no problem.” The Company has created a system where we have to fill out time-consuming reports and forms to validate what we know to be a problem.

Is there any doubt when ground transportation does not show up on time or does not show up at all? Is there any doubt when a pairing has unrealistic times associated with it, either the leg itself or the turn? What about trips that were diverted, revised, or a million other things the Company altered that caused a problem?

But yet, we still have to fill out a report to prove there was a problem. Remember, “no data, no problem.”

The Company has built a system of reports and forms so that we can let them know when there is a problem. Yet, time and time again after we do, nothing gets changed. We often hear from pilots that a report was filled out, but they never heard anything back or received any feedback.

Why do these reports and forms have to be excessively difficult to complete? Why do they have to be confusing and inconvenient? This picture comes to mind for some when filling out Company reports.

Company reports are the equivalent to a retail store’s rebate system. Why do stores provide rebates instead of just putting an item on sale? If we are purchasing a $1,000 pool table and the store has a rebate for $200, why doesn’t the store just sell the pool table for $800 in the first place?

Here’s why. Up to 60% of all rebates are never redeemed. These businesses know that only a certain percentage of people are going to take the time to go through what is typically an inconvenient, sometimes complicated, time-consuming task required to accomplish the rebate process. The result is the store is able to keep their price point for the pool table high (it remains a $1,000 product) and only refund those customers who successfully completed the rebate procedure.

Let’s compare this to filling out a Company report. Frankly, the Company knows that a certain number of pilots are just not going to take the time to fill out these reports. Let’s say that eliminates 60% of the pilots. That leaves 40% who might actually take the time to fill out the report. The pilot actually tries to go to PFC to fill out the Company report and experiences a technical issue; the PFC website is down, you can’t get a computer to work in AOC or you attempt to fill out the report multiple times only to get kicked out of the system each time. How often have those failures happened lately? Well, that just eliminates more pilots; let’s say another 10%. Now out of the 30% of pilots who are left, some realize the reports are too complicated or time consuming and 10% more give up. You can see that now there are only a small percentage of pilots left who are actually successful in filling out these reports to notify the Company of a problem.

As a result, the Company can make claims like we don’t have any Insite reports or only 20% of pilots have this or that issue. Then they can also make claims that they have industry-leading programs that might not be so industry leading.

Again, “no data, no problem.”

Please don’t let these complications we write about above deter or stop you from filling out these reports as these are the games we have to play to try and improve our quality of life. When you are successful, we ask that you send us a copy.

Send copies or screenshots to:
Insite@alpa.org
FatigueReport@alpa.org

Sep 28

Quality of Life Initiative: Chasing Class of Service

By News, Quality of Life

Chasing Class of Service

Have you flown economy class lately on a deadhead that exceeded 5 scheduled block hours? How about on a deadhead with 10 or more scheduled block hours?

Have you noticed that when a higher class of service is authorized for your trip the Company delays and purchases your ticket much later, which oftentimes causes you to be waitlisted for the higher-class ticket?

These are more examples of the games the Company plays with our quality of life. Efficiency gains for the Company always trump a pilot’s quality of life.

Due to Company shenanigans when booking our deadhead tickets, we are forced to spend a lot of our time—time for which we are not paid—searching for the correct class of service. All it would take is for the Company to do the right thing and book our deadheads early and at the correct class of service before the only available seats left to book are economy class. When a higher class of service is contractually mandated, the Company should simply purchase your deadhead tickets without delay.

Additionally, there would be no reason to waitlist us if the Company did not wait to list us in the first place.

Have you ever asked the Company why our deadheads are sometimes in economy instead of a higher class of service in accordance with the CBA? And then received the following response: “We do not chase class of service.”

This article poses many questions, but the biggest question we would like to ask you is this: Do you think the Company chases class of service downward to economy when booking our deadheads?

So do we.

Sep 20

Quality of Life Initiative: Reserve Lines

By News, Quality of Life

On September 14, 2013, the Company wrote an article in their On The Radar series titled “PIBS Might Sound Good in Theory, but . . .”

In that article, the Company wrote:

“This leads us to one of the last remaining rationales for refusing to even consider PIBS at FedEx: a perceived lack of trust.”

They also wrote:

“We are not asking for your blind trust when it comes to PIBS; we never would.”

Currently, one of the top complaints we receive from pilots is the elimination of reserve lines in the bidpacks across all fleets. Pilots who until recently were able to hold reserve lines are now being forced into the secondary line system. The secondary line system is an opportunity for the Company to show us how good PBS could be only if we would embrace it.

The Company appears to be playing fast and loose with concepts like known reserve days. There appears to be competing factions within the Company where one group is eliminating reserve lines in order to increase their reserve utilization numbers, and another group is interpreting known reserve in a way that also decreases reserve lines in the bidpack and again forces pilots into the secondary system.

Even though we are a few years away from Contract 2021, it is very important to remember that the same Company that wants you to trust them for PBS is the same Company that has now eliminated many of your reserve lines and made the new secondary line system a failure for many.

And now for a final quote from the Company:

“The Company has been clear that is has no intention of unilaterally imposing a set of parameters resulting in the kind of significant dissatisfaction described . . . or any other set of parameters for that matter.”

So, if you are one of the many pilots who used to hold a reserve line but now can’t because of the Company’s unilateral decision to wipe out your reserve lines, trust us, we just want you to know that we hear your significant dissatisfaction!

Please watch for continued communications regarding issues that impact our Quality of Life.

Sep 12

Can the Company Do This?

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

On a recent trip, the Company published a pairing with a revenue leg, followed by a deadhead at the end. The pairing was scheduled with a duty time of 13 hours and 55 minutes. The scheduled Day duty limit is 13:00 (Section 12.C.4.a.). However, Section 12.C.4.g.ii, Deadhead Following Revenue Flight, states “If the duty period began in the day or night period, the entire duty period may be scheduled up to 2 hours beyond the scheduled limitations in Section 12.C.4.a. or b., in order to accomplish the deadhead.” This results in a scheduled limit of 15:00 hours for Day duty and 13:30 for Night duty.

Section 12.C.4.i. states “If a pilot is scheduled to deadhead to base after revenue flying, and his duty period exceeds 10 hours, he may obtain a hotel room at Company expense, in order to take a later flight, as provided in Section 5.B.1.f.”

Section 5.B.1.f. states “at the conclusion of the revenue portion of a trip, at the pilot’s election, when the final duty period of that trip exceeds 10 hours and the pilot is scheduled to deadhead by air to his base as the concluding segment of the trip.

i. The room shall be located in the city in which the revenue portion of the trip terminates and the deadhead is scheduled to originate.
ii. The pilot is responsible for maintaining his eligibility and legality for a subsequent assignment.
iii. Unless operational circumstances preclude it, CRS shall assist the pilot in making his reservation at the contract hotel, or, if unavailable, at another comparable hotel in the same city.
iv. Deviation from scheduled deadhead procedures as referenced in Section 8.C.1.h. (End of Trip Deviation) shall be followed.”

Therefore, if the final duty period exceeds 10 hours, and you comply with Section 5.B.1.f. then you can get a hotel room. However, no adjustment will be made to your pairing as this is a deviation. Contact CRS and cite the applicable CBA language, and if necessary, contact the Duty Officer. In this crew’s case they did everything right. They contacted CRS and the Hotel desk for assistance with their requests and had the information placed on the trip pairing. Additionally, they filled out Fatigue and Insite Reports and passed their information to FDX ALPA via the SIG and Fatigue Committees.

If you have any contractual concerns, please contact FDX ALPA Contract Enforcement at Fedex-Enforcement@alpa.org.

Sep 12

Receiving a No Show for a Trip

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

How Can a Pilot Receive a No Show for a trip despite being unaware that it was assigned to him?

When a pilot submits a bid line adjustment for general make-up, the pilot is responsible for any make-up assignment that complies with his submission (25.L.6.b.v.). CRS shall notify a pilot via VIPS that the submission has been accepted or denied (25.L.1.a.). If the notification is not closed out by the pilot, CRS may attempt to notify via a telephone call. Removal from the trip as a No Show is the likely result if the pilot cannot be contacted. We encourage you to check your crew notifications and remember to withdraw a submission for general make-up when you are no longer available. If you have any questions, please contact FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org.

Sep 12

Seat Selection Fees

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Did you know that seat selection fees are allowable/reimbursable expenses (8.C.3.a.iii.)?

The fee is limited to the greater of $40 per flight segment or $80 per positioning sequence. The pilot must charge the fee(s) to the Company issued travel card and provide the receipt.

Sep 12

Substitution

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Did you know a pilot who declines substitution (SUB) before the showtime of the original trip (i.e., the trip or series of trips that actually created the SUB eligibility) can make up the credit hours at 125% of the pilot’s normal pay rate? This is making an election for open time priority or for short, OTP (Sec. 25.H.11.). A pilot in OTP is pay protected for the trip guarantee of the original trip for the remainder of the bid period in which the trip began plus three additional bid periods, a full bid period increase from the 2011 Agreement. The trip guarantee for the original trip is deducted from the first paycheck after the pay protection ends (Sec. 4.N.1.). The ideal result is the pilot takes advantage of OTP and makes up the credit hours before the pay protection ends. Sometimes life gets in the way and we cannot obtain the ideal result, but don’t worry. The credit hours not made up before OTP expires are available for general make-up (Sec. 25.L.4.).

Please contact FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org if you have any questions or concerns regarding the CBA.

Sep 12

Trip Extensions and Critical Pay Period

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Trip Extensions
A quality of life enhancement in the 2015 CBA is Section 12.A.8., which reduces trip extensions by 12 hours compared to the previous language. Domestic trips can be extended 36 hours and international trips 84 hours into time previously scheduled free from duty at base. Please note that the 36/84 limit may be exceeded due to maintenance or weather disruptions particular to the pilot’s specific flight, but only to that limited extent.

Critical Period Pay
One of many pay enhancements in the current CBA are the Critical Period Pay Events (Section 4.GG.). This language applies to all domestic trips, regardless of the assignment code. Also, it is paid in addition to other compensation. There are four situations that qualify for the Critical Period Pay.

  1. Critical Period Departures
    Following flight deck duty that operates anytime in the critical period, if a pilot has an intermediate stop at a facility other than AFW, CDG, EWR, IND, MEM, or OAK (or other like facilities as agreed upon by the SIG), that is greater than 2 but less than 4 hours (from block-in to block-out), the pilot shall be paid 1.5 CH. This event shall not apply to trips that depart base in the critical period and return to base in the same
    duty period (out and backs).
  2. For any duty period that begins in the critical period, a pilot shall be aid 1.5 CH for each landing in excess of 2 in that duty period.
  3. For any duty period that begins in the critical period, if a trip departs from base and returns to base in the same duty period, and blocks in after 10:15 LBT, the pilot shall be paid 1.5 CH.
  4. For any flight deck duty period that operates in the critical period, and has a flight in excess of 4:30 block hours, the pilot shall be paid 3 CH for each subsequent flight in that duty period.

Please contact Fedex-Enforcement@alpa.org if you have any CBA questions.

Sep 12

Tips on Monthly Bidding

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Please note that Section 25.C.12.f. (trip or R-day block conflict with recurrent training), and 25.E.4.b.i.(a)(1) – (4) (secondary line holder designation of number of vacation days) have not been implemented. To view the Implementation Schedule posted on the FedEx MEC home page, please click here.

A pilot’s current bid period schedule, including carryover, takes precedence over a subsequent bid period schedule.  Any trip that conflicts with carryover (including a previously removed carryover trip) will be dropped as CIC (Carry-in Conflict) and is eligible for make-up. If your new trip is greater than 120 hours TABF, you may request to keep this trip on your line if the carryover trip is less than 72 hours TAFB or 3-day block (Sec. 25.F.3.a.).

When bidding vacation with carryover, remember that carryover conflicts will cause the trip in the new bid period to drop out before the vacation period is considered. This means that if you bid a long trip in your next month’s vacation week, and if this trip is also in conflict with carryover, the trip in the new bid period will be dropped for the conflict before it is dropped for vacation.

  1. In January, suppose you have a carryover trip (into February), but the trip is dropped owing to a January vacation. When you bid for February you MUST remember to bid to de-conflict (if that is your wish) with the carryover trip even though the trip has been dropped. Otherwise any trip in conflict with that trip will be dropped as CIC.
  2. In another scenario, suppose you have a January carryover trip (into February) and you have vacation in February, but the vacation does not conflict with the carryover trip; however, the carryover trip is in conflict with a trip on your February line. In addition, the February trip is also in conflict with your vacation. What knocks out the February trip, the carryover trip or vacation? Answer = the carryover trip.

Vacation days are considered work days for minimum days off protection.
Please contact fedex-enforcement@alpa.org if you have any CBA questions.

Sep 12

8.C.3.a.vi – Deviation Travel

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Section 8.C.3.a.vi. provides additional flexibility in deviation travel. If your deadhead ticket has been booked in economy class and you are scheduled for less than 16 hours of duty but more than 10 hours of scheduled block, you may deviate to obtain a higher class of service on another carrier.

Under these circumstances, your Deviation Bank shall be credited with 130% of the Established Fare on the scheduled deadhead route, and your deviation travel is not required to match the scheduled routing. Please keep this in mind as an option for deviating and contact ContractEnforcement (FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org) with any questions regarding this provision or Section 8 of the CBA.

Sep 12

Management Pilot Bumping a Line Pilot

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

If a management pilot bumps a line pilot from his scheduled trip or a portion thereof, the line pilot shall receive the scheduled credit hours and deviation credit, if any, for the trip or portion thereof. Consequently, duty should not be added in place of the bumped trip or portion thereof. (Section 9.A.2.)

Whether continental or intercontinental, a pilot who deviates from deadhead travel at the beginning
of a trip may check in at the contract hotel a maximum of 2 days early. (Section 8.C.3.d.iii.) The
umber of days was increased with the 2015 CBA. This hotel use is a deviation expense and is
charged to your bid period deviation bank.

Please contact Fedex-Enforcement@alpa.org if you have any contract concerns.

Sep 12

Reassignment Trips (RAT)

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Did you know a reassignment trip (RAT) is triggered if the assigned/awarded trip is revised to:

  • show at least 4 hours earlier then the original scheduled trip. (Section 25.H.2.b.)
  • release at least 4 hours later than the original scheduled trip. (Section 25.H.2.b.)

Once offered a RAT, the pilot can request 30 minutes from CRS to decide to accept or decline the offer. The 30 minutes may be granted if time allows. If the showtime is within 1:30 hours, the pilot must accept or reject the offer upon notification. (1999 CBA Appendix C, Reassignment Trip Offer)

  • If a RAT is declined, the pilot is placed into Substitution for the original trip. (25.H.10.b.ii.)
  • If a RAT is accepted, the pilot will be paid the higher of the trip guarantee of the original assigned trip at straight pay or the trip guarantee of the RAT at 125% pay. (4.M.1.)
  • RAT assignments are not eligible for disruptions as described in Section 25.S.2. or extra duty periods as described in 25.V
  • A pilot may trade a RAT, but will only receive the trip guarantee for the trip(s) assumed from the trade. (25.H.10.b.iii.)
  • If, after accepting a RAT, a pilot calls sick for the RAT, the pilot is compensated the trip guarantee for the RAT at straight pay.  The Company will deduct the same value from pilot’s sick bank. (4.M.3.)

For a Substitution Decision Tree involving RAT, click here.

Please contact fedex-enforcement@alpa.org if you have any contract concerns.

Sep 12

Bidding During Consolidation

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Section 25.C.10. (Bidding during Consolidation) was added in the bargaining of the 2015 CBA.  There are bidding limitations which apply if you are:

  • Bidding a line after your first full bid period post-activation, and
  • Did not have a custom line in the first full bid period after your activation
  • Not projected for a timely consolidation (using one projected-accrued block hour per remaining non-extension consolidation day)

Example: Pilot activates in his new crew position at the beginning of the May bid period. The pilot fully participates in bidding for a line for the June bid period and receives a Regular, Secondary, or Reserve line for June. If the pilot is not on track for consolidation at the close of bidding for a July schedule, he or she will be subject to the bidding limitations discussed below.

The applicable bid restrictions are as follows:

  • The pilot may be awarded a regular line provided that the line includes at least 30 scheduled block hours, or is in the top 50% of the lines in that base in terms of scheduled block hours.  The pilot will not be awarded such a line if he doesn’t bid it or lacks the seniority to hold it. This is not a “super-seniority” provision for non-consolidated pilots.
  • The pilot may be awarded a secondary line with bidding preferences/priority determined by the SIG/SLWRG, but the pilot may not voluntarily use standby trips, reserve blocks or relief flight officer trips as part of his or her construction. Again, this is not a “super-seniority” provision for non-consolidated pilots.
  • The pilot may be awarded a reserve line only if he or she can’t be awarded a Regular or Secondary Line (as described above).

Please contact fedex-enforcement@alpa.org if you have any contract concerns.

Sep 12

20.B.

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Do you know the timeframe for filing a grievance? (20.B. – Filing of Grievance)

  • A grievance must be filed with the Company within 60 days following the date the pilot gained knowledge of the event that is the issue of the grievance.
  • The 60-day period shall be extended to 90 days, if the pilot has written evidence within the 60 days that he or she tried to resolve the issue with flight management or FedEx Labor Relations during the same 60-day period.
  • A grievance may be filed beyond the 60-day limit:
    • if the grievance arises from a bookkeeping or clerical error, that does not involve a dispute of the Company’s interpretation or application of agreements between ALPA and the Company; and
    • the grievance can be definitively resolved by reference to Company records.

Please contact Contract Enforcement within the timeframe to file a grievance in order to preserve time limits as well as investigate the facts. Oftentimes a resolution is reached without the filing of a grievance.

Sep 12

Timely Submission of Expense Reports/Receipts

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

This communication concerns the subject of pilots being payroll deducted due to missing, incorrect or late expense report receipts.  Section 5.A.7. of the Agreement provides that “An expense report shall be submitted within one bid period to document expenses incurred during the preceding bid period.” Likewise,  Section 8.C.5. provides, “Any time an expense is charged to a Company-issued Travel Card, a deviation ticket is purchased, or a deviation expense is incurred, an expense form shall be submitted, with appropriate original receipts (or electronic reproduction thereof)”, and “Such expense form shall be submitted no later than the end of the subsequent bid period.” The Agreement does not contain language to reopen an expense report once it is closed. We encourage all pilots to review and promptly act upon notifications concerning expense report receipts. Below are descriptions of the notifications you will receive if you have not submitted an expense report or if your credit card/ticket expenses have not been classified. Please note that the second notification is essentially the last notification upon which to act as the final notification is a notice of payroll deduction.

  • At the end of a bid period, you will receive a notification to remind you of any missing credit card transactions or deviation tickets, or if you have not submitted the expense report for that bid month.
  • If you still have missing receipts after the due date of the expense report (end of next bid period), you will receive a second notification.  It will remind you that some of the receipts are still outstanding and a deadline to submit the missing items to avoid payroll deduction.  PLEASE HEED THIS DEADLINE.
  • A third and final notification is received if the items were not addressed from the expense report. It will detail the amount that has been submitted for payroll deduction.

PLEASE NOTE, even if you have submitted an expense report, if you still have an outstanding receipt(s) you will receive a notification regarding the missing receipt(s) and a deadline to submit the missing item(s) to avoid payroll deduction.

Even if you think you have submitted your receipt(s) and believe that you are receiving notifications in error, please resolve the matter with Crew Audit prior to the deadline for submitting missing items.

Please contact  fedex-enforcement@alpa.org if you have any CBA questions.

Sep 12

Was a Deadhead Trip Removed From Your Schedule?

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Are you wondering if you keep the deviation bank associated with the removed trip? That depends on why the trip was removed. Listed below are some of the common reasons a trip may be removed from your schedule and whether or not bank monies would remain intact:

A trip is canceled by the Company
Yes, deadhead bank monies remain intact (Section 8.C.2.d).

A trip is revised
Yes. This also falls under Section 8.C.2.d. A comparison is done for the value of the deviation bank at award/assignment versus the value at block-out/actual operation. You are entitled to the higher value.

A trip is removed and you become eligible for Substitution (SUB) assignments
Yes, the Company has changed or revised a trip causing you to become eligible for SUB; the deviation bank monies will remain intact (Section 8.C.2.d). In fact, you’ll keep the bank for the original trip in addition to the bank associated with SUB assignments.

A trip is dropped
No, you won’t keep the bank because the removal of the trip was not due to a change or cancellation by the Company (Section 8.C.2.d).

A trip is Per Diem Only (PDO) bumped
No, if you are bumped you will not keep the bank. The pilot operating the trip earns the deviation credit for the trip (Section 25.L.11.b.iv).

A trip is removed due to calling in sick
If you call in sick prior to a trip, you do not retain the deviation bank. However, if you become ill or are injured during a trip, the Company is required to provide transportation back to your base or residence. Travel costs in this scenario are limited to the cost of returning to base (Section 14.B.4). You will also keep the bank for deadheads operated prior to calling sick on that trip.

A trip is bumped for training
Yes, if bumped from an entire trip, the deadhead monies remain intact (Section 25.U.2).

A trip is bumped by management
Yes, if a management pilot bumps a line pilot from their scheduled trip, the line pilot receives the deviation credit for the trip or portion of the trip removed (Section 9.A.2).

A trip is removed operationally for legality (1-in-7, international buffer, etc)
Yes, you will keep the deviation bank credit for the removed trip (Section 8.C.2.d).

For less common trip removals, retaining deviation bank credits may be dependent on the circumstances and timing of the situation (emergency drop, bereavement, etc).

Please remember that all deadhead travel is classified into two categories, Front/Back-End, and Mid-Trip. For the purpose of deviation bank credit, each category is treated separately.

If you have questions, please contact Contract Enforcement at  fedex-enforcement@alpa.org.

Sep 12

Did You Know…

By Uncategorized

1. Section 4.U. of the 2015 CBA includes an added provision which provides 1 CH of pay for aircraft ground operations performed for a purpose other than flight during a trip or base standby. For example, if during a trip you complete an engine run-up to facilitate maintenance of an aircraft, you may be eligible for an additional 1 CH of pay. If you think you are due the additional compensation, please submit a pay log.

Section 4.U. Taxi Pay
1. A pilot who reports for or performs aircraft ground operations for a
purpose other than flight, not during a trip or base standby, shall earn 3
CH or duty rig, whichever is greater.
2. A pilot who reports for or performs aircraft ground operations for a
purpose other than flight, during a trip or base standby, shall earn 1 CH
in addition to all other compensation due. This additional 1 CH shall be
payable upon the pilot’s submission of a pay log.
2. An originally scheduled R-24 base hotel standby trip cannot be revised to include additional base hotel standby periods. Section 25.M.3.a.vii.(b) was included in the 2015 CBA to prevent this type of scheduling.
Section 25.M.3.a.
vii.       If, due to a shortage of non R-24 pilots, an R-24 pilot is needed
in his base for shorter notification, he may be assigned
to base hotel standby for a block or a portion of a block of
R-days.
(a) Any assignment to base hotel standby will be for a minimum
of two days and a maximum of four consecutive
days and shall cover the RP for which there is a shortage.
(b) The pilot’s originally scheduled R-24 base hotel standby
trip may not be revised to include additional base hotel
standby periods.
(c) If the Company assigns a trip to a pilot placed in base
hotel standby under this provision, and the trip terminates
after the conclusion of the original hotel standby assignment,
the pilot shall be deemed to have completed the
hotel standby assignment and shall return to his original
R-24 schedule.
(d) Any assignment to base hotel standby shall be made in
leveling order, as provided in Section 25.M.6. An R-24 pilot
shall not be assigned to a base airport standby without
first having been assigned to base hotel standby.
If you have any questions, please contact Contract Enforcement at FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org.
Sep 12

4.GG. Critical Pay Periods

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

Contract Enforcement recently became aware that pilots may have been denied critical period pay under 4.GG.3. if the applicable landing was an air turn back.  This is an improper denial; however, this pay is not automated and requires the submission of an Insite ticket (paylog).

GG. Critical Period Pay Events
  1. This paragraph applies to all trips, regardless of assignment code, and shall be paid in addition to all other compensation.
  2. Critical Period Departures Following flight deck duty that operates anytime in the critical period, if a pilot has an intermediate stop at a facility other than AFW, CDG, EWR, IND, MEM, or OAK (or other like facilities as agreed upon by the SIG), that is greater than 2 but less than 4 hours (from block-in to blockout), the pilot shall be paid 1.5 CH. This event shall not apply to trips that depart base in the critical period and return to base in the same duty period (out and backs).
  3. For any duty period that begins in the critical period, a pilot shall be paid 1.5 CH for each landing in excess of 2 in that duty period.
  4. For any duty period that begins in the critical period, if a trip departs from base and returns to base in the same duty period, and blocks in after 10:15 LBT, the pilot shall be paid 1.5 CH. 5. For any flight deck duty period that operates in the critical period, and has a flight in excess of 4:30 block hours, the pilot shall be paid 3 CH for each subsequent flight in that duty period.
Please contact fedex-enforcement@alpa.org if you have any contract concerns.
Sep 12

Bidding Reminders

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

With the implementation of new portions of the contract for Secondary Line Holders, we wanted to send a bidding reminder out to help best guide you through the bidding process.

Vacation:

  • 12.D.1.d. – The international duty-free buffers (24 hours before the start of a trip, and 48 hours after the end of a trip) are not waivable for vacation for trips that exceed 120 TAFB.
  • 7.E.2.c. – Sliding vacation to within 48 hours of the scheduled end of a trip in which the last activity is an international duty period does not apply to EUR trips operated within domestic parameters.
    • ANC 11, HKG, IND, LAX, & MEM 11, 57, 67 ONLY
      • Vacation Slides
        • You may slide your vacation once as normal during the View/Add Window.
        • A Secondary Line Holder may slide the vacation again during the SWW.

Training:

  • Recurrent and R-days
    • ANC (Excluding), CGN, & MEM (Excluding 11, 57, 67)
      • As of now, you must split the block of R-days with at least 2 days on either side of your recurrent training for your full block of R-days to drop.
        • Example: You have R-days from the 7th-13th. Your recurrent training cannot start earlier than the 9th or must end by the 11th for your full block of R-days to drop.
    • ANC 11, HKG, IND, LAX, & MEM 11, 57, 67 ONLY
      • 25.C.12.f. has been implemented. If a recurrent training session conflicts with any portion of a block of R-days, the entire block shall be dropped as a phase-in conflict.
  • 11.E.1.i. – Prior to and upon completion of ground school or SIM training, a pilot shall receive a minimum of 12 hours off.
  • 25.F.4. – International duty-free buffers may be waived to avoid a phase-in conflict.
Sep 12

Ongoing Implementation Measures (OIM)

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate
As many of you are aware pilots have been denied the ability to pick up trips (CIA and MUV) during the View/Add Window process due to “potential” lapses in qualification and currency. Through the Ongoing Implementation Measures (OIM) in Section 11, we have reached an agreement with the Company. Beginning no later than the bidding for the August 2018 bid period, pilots will now be awarded CIA and MUV without regard to potential lapses in qualification or currency (e.g., tri-annual LMS, 3-in-3, segment currency, line check).
To view the entire OIM, please click here.
We have also reached an OIM under FDA LOA Paragraph X regarding the Early Exit Option Transition Footprint. Beginning no later than the bidding for the November 2018 bid period, any pilot eligible to exercise the “Early Exit” option, as provided in FDA LOA Paragraph D.2.c., and who bid a secondary line shall be awarded a secondary line. Such secondary line shall have 42 CHs credited toward the pilot’s BLG, and the pilot shall have the ability to preference between 7 and 10 consecutive days free from duty in that bid period. If certain conditions are met, the OIM provides a guarantee that the pilot will receive the identified footprint without Fleet Captain involvement.
To view the entire OIM, please click here.
Please contact Contract Enforcement at fedex-enforcement@alpa.org if you have any contractual concerns.
Sep 12

Non-Refundable Airline Tickets

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate

It is our understanding that in June and July some pilots (fewer than 100) had Lufthansa (LH) flights incorrectly purchased as non-refundable due to an incorrect code entered by LH. Global Travel cancelled all non-refundable tickets that had not been used and re-issued them as fully refundable. If a LH ticket had already been used, Crew Audit may have disallowed the ticket on your expense reports prior to being aware of the issue. If you had a LH ticket purchased in June or July on your expense report and it was denied due to it being a non-refundable ticket, file a discrepancy and the issue will be reviewed and corrected.

The discrepancy process is as follows: if the deadhead is in your travel bank, click “file a discrepancy;” submit the tickets to the expense report as either “other scheduled” or “other deviation;” “N/A” as the trip #; select “adjust scheduled fare,” then in this box enter the deadhead value plus the non- refundable ticket amount. In the comment box indicate “the discrepancy is to increase the deviation bank to cover the ticket listed incorrectly as non- refundable.” The discrepancy will then be reviewed for approval.
If you have any questions, contact Contract Enforcement at FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org .
Sep 12

Reserve and Sick Leave

By Contract Enforcement, News, Positive Rate, Uncategorized
Any assignment given to a reserve pilot while he/she is on sick leave must be a legal assignment considering both the FARs and the CBA. When a pilot is on sick leave, the pilot must be assigned open time as if he/she were not sick. Reserve pilots that are on sick leave should be aware of illegal assignments. If assigned two or more trips while you are sick, you should be able to operate said trips in the well world. Therefore, while on sick leave, we ask that pilots double check reserve assignments to ensure compliance with Section 14.B.2.c.iii.
The following examples are all illegal assignments:
  • While sick, you are given an assignment and leveled. When given a subsequent assignment, it may not conflict with your previous assignment (overlap).
  • When you are given an assignment, and hub turned into another assignment, the duty limitations still apply. Therefore, if given a day showtime the scheduled hours may not exceed 13:00 hours.
  • While sick, you are assigned a trip that, if flown, would cause you to exceed FAR flight time limits.
14.B.2.c.iii.
A reserve pilot on sick leave shall be assigned open time as if he were not on sick leave (Section 25.G.3. Open Time Assignment and Section 25.M.6. Reserve Assignment Options). A reserve pilot will maintain his leveling position on the reserve list, and the scheduled credit hours for any trips he is assigned and removed as sick will be credited toward his RLG/ mini-RLG and deducted from his sick bank. Commencing at 0900 LBT each day, a reserve pilot with an assignment(s) having a showtime during the next day shall be removed for sick leave and such assignment shall be available for open time assignment by CRS.
If you have any questions, please contact Contract Enforcement, FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org.
Sep 12

FDA Transition Window/Return Relocation Benefits

By Contract Enforcement

Did you know that an FDA pilot is eligible for a return household goods shipment during the “FDA Transition Window” and only during that window? Paragraph C.2.h.ii. of the FDA LOA provides an FDA pilot a return household goods shipment during the pilot’s FDA Transition Window. Paragraph C.2.f.i.(b) defines the FDA Transition Window as “the period beginning 6 months prior to his activation into his post-FDA crew position and ending upon either his activation in his new crew position or 60 days after termination of his employment, whichever is earlier.” As you can see, the FDA Transition Window ends upon activation into the post-FDA crew position, which in turn ends an FDA pilot’s eligibility for FDA benefits. Of course, you should know that all associated benefits (i.e., housing allowance, return household goods shipment, de-positioning airline tickets, paid relocation days off, hotel use during exit transition, and transition allowance) are affected by the FDA Transition Window. The Agreement/FDA LOA does not provide any exceptions to the requirement of relocating prior to activation into the post-FDA crew position.

If you have any contractual questions, please contact Contract Enforcement at FedEx-Enforcement@alpa.org.
Jun 26

EAA AirVenture in OshKosh, WI

By News
The Air Line Pilots Association Int’l returns to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh July 23-29 and needs pilot volunteers to staff the ALPA Booth at Exhibit Hanger C (#C-3039) and to help with KidVenture activities across from the AirVenture Museum. KidVenture is an EAA-sponsored program that introduces young people to the wonders of aviation through fun and engaging exercises, and ALPA pilots will be conducting an educational weight-and-balance drill.
Don’t hesitate to sign up if you haven’t participated in something like this before. Online training will be available to cover everything you need to know.
Oshkosh is a fantastic event and volunteering for one of these ALPA activities is a great way to help your union and give something back to the aviation community. Please visit www.alpa.org/oshkosh and sign up today. We will contact you mid-July with more information regarding volunteer slots. In the meantime, email us at alpa.oshkosh@alpa.org if you have questions. We want to see you there!