I want to comment on "Ramprat's" last contribution to this column. First of all I would like to say that I am taking your story at face value, as I have no way of knowing the particulars for myself. 

  Believe me, your story is not an isolated case! Over the years, I too have learned that most of the FedEx managers that I know, just sort of wing it. I can't tell you how many times our management team has created policy "on-the-spot" and never even made an attempt to follow-up or implement it with uniformity across the work group. It seems like we have discussions everyday addressing just this type of unprofessional behavior. I GUESS THAT IS JUST WHAT YOU GET WHEN MANAGEMENT ONLY HAS TO ACCOUNT TO THEIR BOSSES AND TO NO ONE ELSE.

  Ramprat, I truly hope that the day comes very soon that we can all take our justified complaints to our union representative. Maybe on that day we will be treated with respect and integrity.

                                                 AJR

Ok it is official, I am F-ing FURIOUS.  This will only be my second review with FX since joining, and the way they go about giving a "Merit Review" and then giving the pay raise that goes with it is BS.  I got my annual review a couple weeks ago, just like last year.  Last year I asked "When will I get my pay increase?" I was told "March, with everyone else" WTF,  I bit the bullet and thought ok this is just how they do it here.  This year I get my review, and just like last year I ask "When do I get my pay increase?"  my current manager says "I think in the next week or so, let me look up your pay history".  After looking at my pay screen she asks "Why did you get increased in March?"  to that I said "That is when I was told 'Everyone' got their increase"  She calls 2 other managers into the office and I start to hear "This is just how it has been since I've been with FX", "This is just HOW IT IS" , "Check the PEOPLE Manual".  Again I say to myself WTF these people are the managers who are supposed to answer my questions.  So I go to my Employee handbook, here at home the only thing I have to ref.  and on pg 63 under the heading of "Your pay" it says it stays in step with "National and local economic conditions".  REALLY!!!??? Now not to shed to much light on my personal situation, but I am having to relocate out of my area because my family and I just can't keep up.  I was hired in Nov. I got moved to the ramp in April of '07 which is the only thing I can figure as to why my pay would increase at that time...BUT IF that is the reason WHY then does EVERYONE get their increase in March???!!  I now have to wait 6 more months before I see my pay go up, in the mean time there are the holidays coming, and other daily expences that need $ now.  We need a set pay scale NOW, we need to know that on x date we all see an increase.  We do not need b.s. sputtering managers telling us "That is how it has always been", well YOU might be a Lemming, and have drank TOO much cool - aid, but PAY US WHEN WE DESERVE TO GET A RAISE, I/WE HAVE WORKED A YEAR PAY US RIGHT THEN...NOT IN 6,7,9...MONTHS FROM THAT DATE.   I read the info about the informational picketing going on in MEM, can we have some of that out at the stations?  People need to know or be awakened to the fact we are being screwed.  This is not normal in the industry, and IF FX holds itself out as being a "Leader" in the industry then MAKE IT F-ing happen, because I promise come the day when the union does come in I am going to run for a Shop Steward position, and I promise I will fight tooth and nail to ensure the Lemmings march to the correct tune, no more "Well that is just how it is"  We deserve better.

Current events add proof to the pudding that Reaganomics failed the economic system system by creating an unfair balance between corporate America and the every day employee. A growing disparity exists because of this between the richest and poorest of people, the middle class will disappear if we stay the current course. The trickle down economics system is flawed because of GREED, they have the money, they are too greedy to put it back in the employees hand who are also the majority of consumers.

It is a political issue in the upcoming election and our government needs to put a stop to the abuse of the American people by the unethical corporate culture that exists today.

I wanted to share with everyone the 'Up Close' message for the month, in case anyone missed it.  Mike Piggors told everyone "We are ahead in every catagory, from accident and injury reductions, keeping up with cost vs volume...remain flexable".  When I heard that I felt like laughing, what the hell does he mean by that?  Be ready to have your hours cut, and more work to do in the shorter time was the only thing I came up with...yep I'll be looking forward to that.

I am also curious if within the MX you all are being drilled with the new buzz, QDM?  What is QDM you ask, it stands for Quality Driven Management.  As someone who has been in charge of a process like this with another company, I can tell you it is nothing more then a sales tactic to get more business...which is not a bad thing, but it really has nothing to do with us.  It gives no extra $ on your check if you meet the bench marks...but have a piece of pizza or cake we got it just for you all.

I'd like to add this last little nugget as a song we can all wrap our arms around.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTafZRecy2k

Enjoy.

The only thing I see that is trickling down is the amount that is going into my pocket or should I say the amount that isnt going there.. It just incredible how these companies have no care when asking for rule changes and loopholes. Which in turn give their workers the shaft, while at the same time the white shirt line their pockets with the fruits of your hard work and labor.. What makes you think that you just sitting there will make things better for you and your family. Well ACTION will be the only thing that will get this changed and I dont mean going out there and getting another job to compensate for whats missing in your pocket ,while the higher ups continue to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous .. Sign a card , Get involved, Lets get a Teamster Contract to secure and protect our future..

Not sure if any of you noticed on the Intranet at work that FX just got a contract with the D.O.D. worth $57.8 million.  So when we are being told "We are suffering in volume and are changing your schedule" doesn't ever make sense.  Also we were told in a meeting with the Senior Manager, "The only thing saving our domestic business is the international markets".  Of course, that is because SO many jobs have been sent over seas.  Bottom line is NO ONE in MEM is suffering right now, poor economy or not.

As for the neighbors to the south sucking up all the work, down in Central America, those guys make $6.25 on the ramp.  If you tell them I'll pay you $12 they would be happy...when in reality that work is worth much more.  Legal or illegal, they don't question anyone, that is why our bosses love them on the payroll. 

   I don’t buy the argument that an employer will compensate a worker better if he increases his productivity. I know that employers pay what they have to pay and not a dime more. I submit the following example to make my point. Over the last five years or so I have seen Hispanic workers everywhere that I go. I am sure that most are undocumented workers by the fact that they speak no english and that they often call me looking for a home to rent. I know that they are highly motivated and that their productivity is second to none. Never the less, I am sure that their compensation is not nearly as high as their Norte Americano coworkers performing the same jobs.

   Common sense tells me that if increased investment and training does increase productivity, and in turn gains, I am certain that these gains go directly into the pockets of those in control. Regardless of revenue, the man is only going to pay what he has to.

   Once again, I am amazed that business leaders talk “trickle down” to the American public. Like privatization, it is a concept that we all have way too much experience with

   I hear all the time that the American worker is the most productive worker in the world. If this is true, and according to Fred’s own logic, I think he owes us a lot more than we are currently getting. I’m just trying to connect his dots.

""""I guess since CORPORATE TAXATION IS REALLY A PENALTY ON THE BLUE COLLAR WORKER then THE LEAN PROGRAM must be the INFRASTRUCTURE - THAT WILL HELP VENDORS AND OUTSOURCING STEAL OUR JOBS FROM RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES.... All I have to ask is as much money as our company continues to make and we get less - what makes you think that when they get bigger tax breaks that WE FROM THE FUELER, AMT, GSE TECH, ASA, VEH TECH, CLEANER, INSPECTOR, INSTRUCTOR, FABRICATOR, ETC. TO EVERYONE ELSE AT FEDEX - will get some of the many things we have lost back besides your 2-3% raise while everything else goes up.. Aren't you tired of being that hamster in the wheel - get off and get it in writing- NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE UNTIL WE TAKE A STAND FOR WHAT WE BELIEVE WE ARE WORTH AND WHAT WE DESERVE !!!!

We Don't Know What The Future Holds But we Know Who Holds The Future !!!  """""

Giving corporations tax breaks is going to help me? I don't get it. Don't tax breaks just make the executives wealthier?

Things and actions are what they are, and the consequences of them will be what they will be; why then should we desire to be deceived ?

I watched that interview and Fred listed several other countries and the percent of taxes each charge their corpoations. What he fails to realize and hopes you do too is that these other countries don't allow their CEO's to make 600 times their hourly workers wage! Enough is enough!! Its executives like him that will drive this country to anarchy! We need a Teamster contract now!