Fed Ex Media Campaign - Gloves coming off

[brown bailout]

Re: Fed Ex Media Campaign - Gloves coming offExcellent article found by wkmac concerning this issue:Quote:?FedEx: Through the Looking GlassBy Kevin L. KearnsWednesday, June 17, 2009
The problem with Kevin Kearn's article is that he attempts to paint a picture that workers under RLA are somehow mistreated - e.g. "the rights of employees are markedly different under the two laws, and the disparate treatment can be used as a corporate advantage." So is that what he's saying to all the airlines and railroads (whose employees are 70 percent unionized)?
The issue is not if everybody unionizes, but whether the system is exposed to pockets of potential unionization - creating the potential for network disruption at any given time. The RLA was specifically designed to "avoid any interruption to commerce" which is why our nation's airlines and rail services have operated seamlessly under this law for decades. And according to some recent polling data - 81 percent of Americans don't want the laws changed b/c FedEx and UPS have been operating successfully for decades and so consumers have choices, competitive prices and service options. More info on the polling results and the topic in general can be found at *************.

 

[pretzel_man]

The problem with Kevin Kearn's article is that he attempts to paint a picture that workers under RLA are somehow mistreated - e.g. "the rights of employees are markedly different under the two laws, and the disparate treatment can be used as a corporate advantage." So is that what he's saying to all the airlines and railroads (whose employees are 70 percent unionized)?

The issue is not if everybody unionizes, but whether the system is exposed to pockets of potential unionization - creating the potential for network disruption at any given time.

The RLA was specifically designed to "avoid any interruption to commerce" which is why our nation's airlines and rail services have operated seamlessly under this law for decades.

And according to some recent polling data - 81 percent of Americans don't want the laws changed b/c FedEx and UPS have been operating successfully for decades and so consumers have choices, competitive prices and service options. More info on the polling results and the topic in general can be found at brownbailout.com.

Okay, So why don't you explain how a group of TRUCK Drivers in Boise, Idaho who go on strike can disrupt the national network?? Please walk me through how that happens. The airline employees would still be under the RLA, right?

Also, can you please post the exact question that was asked of these americans? You have posted the "spun" version of the results. I would like to see the question and how it was asked.

P-Man

 

[Broke]

Re: Fed Ex Media Campaign - Gloves coming offExcellent article found by wkmac concerning this issue:Quote:?FedEx: Through the Looking GlassBy Kevin L. KearnsWednesday, June 17, 2009
The problem with Kevin Kearn's article is that he attempts to paint a picture that workers under RLA are somehow mistreated - e.g. "the rights of employees are markedly different under the two laws, and the disparate treatment can be used as a corporate advantage." So is that what he's saying to all the airlines and railroads (whose employees are 70 percent unionized)?
The issue is not if everybody unionizes, but whether the system is exposed to pockets of potential unionization - creating the potential for network disruption at any given time. The RLA was specifically designed to "avoid any interruption to commerce" which is why our nation's airlines and rail services have operated seamlessly under this law for decades. And according to some recent polling data - 81 percent of Americans don't want the laws changed b/c FedEx and UPS have been operating successfully for decades and so consumers have choices, competitive prices and service options. More info on the polling results and the topic in general can be found at *******************.

Can you name one other airline that has over 100,000 employees classified under the RLA?The reason that 70% of employees covered under the RLA are unionized is because usually its less than 10,000 workers that had to organize nationally.10,000 vs. 100,000 is a pretty big difference.

 

[MrFedEx]

Re: Fed Ex Media Campaign - Gloves coming offExcellent article found by wkmac concerning this issue:Quote:?FedEx: Through the Looking GlassBy Kevin L. KearnsWednesday, June 17, 2009
The problem with Kevin Kearn's article is that he attempts to paint a picture that workers under RLA are somehow mistreated - e.g. "the rights of employees are markedly different under the two laws, and the disparate treatment can be used as a corporate advantage." So is that what he's saying to all the airlines and railroads (whose employees are 70 percent unionized)?
The issue is not if everybody unionizes, but whether the system is exposed to pockets of potential unionization - creating the potential for network disruption at any given time. The RLA was specifically designed to "avoid any interruption to commerce" which is why our nation's airlines and rail services have operated seamlessly under this law for decades. And according to some recent polling data - 81 percent of Americans don't want the laws changed b/c FedEx and UPS have been operating successfully for decades and so consumers have choices, competitive prices and service options. More info on the polling results and the topic in general can be found at *******************.

We are mistreated because the RLA classification makes unionization essentially impossible at FedEx Express. This allows FedEx to keep our wages and benefits at a low level and to do other nice things like eliminate our pension. Did you ever wonder why FedEx is fighting re-classification into the NLRA so hard? They know we'd go Teamsters and demand a decent pay and benefit pkg....including a true retirement plan.

 

[bbsam]

"We at UPS want a 'level playing field' because:
a) a general sense of fair play.
b) were afraid that Fedex will continue to take market share.
c) we hate fedex and want to do anything to cause headaches.
d) we failed to get classified under the rla.
e) we love the union and want all drivers to enjoy the benefits of membership.
friend) we love fedex workers and want to join in brotherly fellowship
g) that's our revenue they're taking!
h) we hate fedex and want to destroy them by any means possible
i) i'm afraid eventually the company will come after our pay and benefits
J) all of the above and more

 

[prickle&goo]

I'm not sure which FedEx/FAA related thread to post in, but there are a few points that seem to have not been sufficiently responded to on behalf of FedEx drivers...

First of all, it's really impossible to calculate who works harder. Obviously yes, UPSers put in more hours than we do, but I don't think it's been taken into account how different the workday/route structure is between the two companies.

1. We work the sort. We have some dedicated package handlers, but the majority of handling (at least at the 3 stations I've worked at) is done by drivers. I don't know anyone who would rather be unloading a ULD than running a route. I doubt you guys have forgotten what it's like to be a handler; we still have to do it.

2. The areas are obviously going to be cut up differently between us. My current route covers 4 zip codes. I see 3 or 4 UPS drivers a day, not including the 2 dropbox drivers.

3. On the pickup side, we have to scan and process EACH package. If (and this is almost invariably) there is a problem with a waybill, a day old label, missing billing info, improper int'l paperwork, etc., we have to sort it out then and there.

I understand you guys carry more freight and do more stops. But I bust my ass, and no one could run my route better than I do under the rules that we are given. When my route is done, I unload trucks or load containers. Then I park trucks. When i'm on vacation my route neighbor always complains he has to cover too much of my area because the swing driver can't handle it. I work hard and I deserve a raise.

 

[scratch]

I work hard and I deserve a raise.

I think you guys work hard and deserve a raise too. Its just that Fred S would rather reward himself than the people that make it happen.

Welcome to the Brown Cafe, good first post.

 

[prickle&goo]

I think you guys work hard and deserve a raise too. Its just that Fred S would rather reward himself than the people that make it happen.

Welcome to the Brown Cafe, good first post.

...

Thank you.

I should have added, I am firmly on the labor side of the RLA debate. Unfortunately, I'm not confident that a union would get voted in at my station. But I've never been subject to a union campaign and maybe the Teamsters are more persuasive than I think.

But that may be putting the cart before the horse...hopefully my state will finally have two senators when time comes to vote on the FAA bill.

 

[Jack_Burton]

New Propaganda. "Attack the plane guys?" Isn't that what terrorists do?
Nope, just disgruntled FedEx Employees!

 

[MrFedEx]

YouTube - Trucks and Planes
New Propaganda. "Attack the plane guys?" Isn't that what terrorists do?
Nope, just disgruntled FedEx Employees!

That was a tragic incident, but our pilots never liked having us lowly hourlies having jumpseat privileges. It's ironic that the attacker was a ticked-off crazy pilot who was about to get fired for falsifying his flight experience.

Would someone please tell Mr Whiteboard that shampoo is available at your local store for a very reasonable price? It makes me itch just to look at that mop.

 

[pickup]

Thank you for agreeing with me.
We do not make more, you make less. You choose to work for a company that does not value your work ethic, so there for, you accept the pay and look over the neighbors you forgot to put an apostrophe with the word "neighbors" to indicate possession. Petty?fence and are jealous of what the Jone's have.
Big difference between working hard and working productive.
In a capitalistic business environment, pay is based on profitability and production.
A worker is only worth what he is willing to be paid.
Quit, if you are not satisfied, or accept the fact that you are worth 35% less pay than UPS.

 

[MrFedEx]

Don't criticize the English professor...he doesn't like it.

 

[FedEx courier]

Besides censoring posts on brownbailout.com, looks like Fedex is censoring posts on other sites as well

 

[tworavens]

I just posted a (very mild) comment on that site suggesting both companies should be classified the same...we'll see whether it shows up or not.

 

[tworavens]

Besides censoring posts on brownbailout.com, looks like Fedex is censoring posts on this site as well

Anyone else having trouble getting on the site today? Has it gone down or are they just blocking my IP address?

 

[upssalesguy]

i could get on.

 

[FedExer]

I have been a courier with FedEx for 10 years. I have to say I really enjoy my job. About 4 weeks ago our senior manager met with our station and explained the RLA. Many of us had already heard about the change made to the RLA bill and had an idea what it was all about. Of course they told us to checkout brownbailout.com which would explain everything in detail. And it does.
I used to be a pre-loader at UPS 15 years ago. I have to say I didn't care for it. There always seemed to be tension between the drivers and management. No one seemed that happy. This was one of the first differences I noticed when I started at FedEx. Everyone seemed happy and our managers were great. They really tried to help you out. I know we don't make as much as you guys but at least I'm happy. I average about 42 hours a week. If I want overtime I can get it. But I rarely ask for it. I'd rather be at home with the family. The UPS guy (Joe) who runs my neighborhood has been with UPS for 28 years. He passes by my house between 7:00 and 7:30 pm every day. And he tells me he has one of the best routes in his station. Heck, by this time I have already come home and mowed the grass and had dinner. And for the FedEx guys who are posting on here, I can only say you must be disgruntled or you haven't been with FedEx for to long. Yes, we do load our own trucks. Yes, our routes cover more area than A UPS driver. So what? I load 3 trucks every morning. At UPS I loaded 5 and the belt went much faster. I run about 65 stops a day on my route. Those 4 or 5 UPS drivers you see on your route have about 120 stops on each of their trucks....not including the pickups they have to make. And I will tell you this, UPS drivers work a whole lot harder than we do. We have A/C in our trucks, they don't. All of our trucks are automatics. UPS can't say that. Some of their trucks don't even have power steering. Try running a route like that. I can promise you that your back will be killing you at the end of the day. What I'm trying to say is don't just look at the money, you have to take into consideration everything you will lose if teamsters comes in. We get a 75% discount on shipping. They get nothing. We get discounts on airfare, cruises, hotels....etc. They get nothing. And that is exactly what will happen to us if teamsters does come in. To make up for the higher wages FedEx
So just ask yourself why FedEx is always in the top 100 companies to work and UPS is not.






;

 

[pretzel_man]

FedExer,

You just pointed out the MAJOR flaw in the FedEx argument. I accept the fact that you are happy. I accept the fact that FedEx is a great place to work.

It follows that if the union asked you to become unionized, you would decline, right?? Did your management explain that the RLA change only puts you and UPS under the same laws? Did they explain that the change does NOT make you unionized?

So, the question remains... Why is FedEx afraid of the RLA change if employees are like you and would not join the union.

Unfortunately, they don't explain that on the web site.

P-Man

I have been a courier with FedEx for 10 years. I have to say I really enjoy my job. About 4 weeks ago our senior manager met with our station and explained the RLA. Many of us had already heard about the change made to the RLA bill and had an idea what it was all about. Of course they told us to checkout brownbailout.com which would explain everything in detail. And it does.
I used to be a pre-loader at UPS 15 years ago. I have to say I didn't care for it. There always seemed to be tension between the drivers and management. No one seemed that happy. This was one of the first differences I noticed when I started at FedEx. Everyone seemed happy and our managers were great. They really tried to help you out. I know we don't make as much as you guys but at least I'm happy. I average about 42 hours a week. If I want overtime I can get it. But I rarely ask for it. I'd rather be at home with the family. The UPS guy (Joe) who runs my neighborhood has been with UPS for 28 years. He passes by my house between 7:00 and 7:30 pm every day. And he tells me he has one of the best routes in his station. Heck, by this time I have already come home and mowed the grass and had dinner. And for the FedEx guys who are posting on here, I can only say you must be disgruntled or you haven't been with FedEx for to long. Yes, we do load our own trucks. Yes, our routes cover more area than A UPS driver. So what? I load 3 trucks every morning. At UPS I loaded 5 and the belt went much faster. I run about 65 stops a day on my route. Those 4 or 5 UPS drivers you see on your route have about 120 stops on each of their trucks....not including the pickups they have to make. And I will tell you this, UPS drivers work a whole lot harder than we do. We have A/C in our trucks, they don't. All of our trucks are automatics. UPS can't say that. Some of their trucks don't even have power steering. Try running a route like that. I can promise you that your back will be killing you at the end of the day. What I'm trying to say is don't just look at the money, you have to take into consideration everything you will lose if teamsters comes in. We get a 75% discount on shipping. They get nothing. We get discounts on airfare, cruises, hotels....etc. They get nothing. And that is exactly what will happen to us if teamsters does come in. To make up for the higher wages FedEx
So just ask yourself why FedEx is always in the top 100 companies to work and UPS is not.






;

 

[Broke]

As far as being on the top 100 companies to work for list, what a complete joke. How can a company with as high of a turnover rate as we have realistically make that list each year? I know we've been on the Forbes magazine best companies to work for list for what 14 years now?There's something shady going on with that.

I have a family to feed and bills to pay, so you can have my automatic truck and my a/c and I'll take the extra $2,000.00 per month.

 

[upssalesguy]

As far as being on the top 100 companies to work for list, what a complete joke. How can a company with as high of a turnover rate as we have realistically make that list each year? I know we've been on the Forbes magazine best companies to work for list for what 14 years now?There's something shady going on with that.

I have a family to feed and bills to pay, so you can have my automatic truck and my a/c and I'll take the extra $2,000.00 per month.

because fedex is a MARKETING company, nothing more. i talk to my uninformed friends about ups vs fedex - most common response - they have funny commercials.