DBCooper1968

Quote:

Given that most airlines - from Legacies, to Mainlines, to even Regionals - now tend to have pretty decent Scheduling provisions, can someone on the AS side give me some insights on how/why it has gotten so bad? What is it about AS that makes things slide backwards, when the industry as a whole is moving forwards?



I was pretty shocked by the lines when I first came here. The strange thing is, not many people I fly with (Captains who have been here much longer than I) complain about it. Most guys seem more into pay so accept less days off I suppose. Those that do go for QOL find ways to adjust their schedule during the step trading process, dropping, or advertising a trip or a portion of a trip for another guy who wants the $$ to pick up. It seems to work for most guys.

So to answer the question (my opinion/observation): I believe since historically at Alaska most pilots live in base (been here 5 years and only flew with a commuter once) the days off aren't as valuable as the pay to most since one who lives in base will benefit from more time at home than one who commutes.

This dynamic is changing within our group though. The younger pilots seem to value their time more and many of our recent hires commute. Also, because Seattle like SFO, is so expensive, I imagine we will see more commuters because you can't live in Seattle on a pilot's wage.

I hope we can really work together to demand some significant scheduling flexibility in 2020 and perhaps lose our jack ass line bidding and step trading nonsense. We don't have to do everything here like they did in the DC-6 back in 1963. Perhaps its high time to consider some changes.

OCCP

That is so sad, but at least we’re a legacy and I should be glad Alaska saved me!

OTZeagle1

Most here are failing to realize that the definition of a good schedule is fluid. My SKD, I think is good. I fly two days, time away from base is very low. I live in base, and this skd is way better then I have had anywhere else. My skd is way better then my DAL friend who lives in Sea based in Sea flying 5 day trips. I don’t want PBS, I don’t want 4 day trips. VX pilots need to realize we are the majority. I don’t care what happens in SFO make those lines commuter friendly, but don’t change my skd to benefit only your group.

All Bizniz

I don't think it's lost on anyone that the definition of a good schedule is fluid. One size does not fit all.

I can't recall anyone advocating for the schedule to change to benefit only ONE group at the expense of another. Why can't it be a mix so that there is a little bit of everything to suit the different preferences? If you want to bid commutable lines, go for it.. If you like local flying, have at it...

With the computing power available today, the Scheduling Optimizer could produce these variations without breaking a sweat, while still covering all the company's flying..

As for PBS vs.Line Bidding, all things being equal (i.e having solid scheduling language in the contract), Line Bidding is to the Horse and Carriage what Pref Bid is to the Motor Car. That is a fact.....

OTZeagle1

With all do respect sir, this may be to honest for most of you to handle.

The SLI reach by the VX side has put such a sour taste in my mouth that I will vote for nothing that any of you want. In fact, if I knew terrible schedules would cause 80 percent of you to leave and seek employment elsewhere, I would gladly do all I could to secure this outcome. Do I wish any of you ill, absolutely not. I hope those 80% go to Dal, Amr, Uua, and are quickly widebody captains and you all have great careers. I hope our negotiations drag into 2023. I wish for very very few computable lines. I don’t think you even begin to understand the divide that is quickly growing at this company. It will get very very bad in my estimation. So here is to Allbiz being a 787 CA very soon at Uua!

KnockKnock

I’m bidding in the low 70% at AS and have been getting 95% of what I want out of a schedule for at least the last year. I average 16 days off, crediting 80-85 hrs, start times when I want them and type of flying I prefer to do. All while easily avoiding the stuff I don’t want, like all-nighters and S.E. I also haven’t worked a single Christmas and only 1 Thanksgiving since I’ve been here. I’m able to spread my vacay out to get extra days off from April-August. While there is plenty of room for improvement to our section 25, it certainly hasn’t been the Bataan death march some have painted it to be. I’ve worked under both systems and have seen the good and bad each has to offer. I have friends at most of the other major airlines, many with PBS. None of them seem to promote their PBS systems anywhere near the level ExVX guys do. They all say pretty much the same things I experienced while using it. Good for the senior folks while hanging the Jr. guys out to dry. You have to know the system inside and out so as not to screw yourself and you typically have to sacrifice one thing you might want in order to gain another. What is it about the VX system that makes, at least those on here, overwhelmingly in favor of PBS? Now that AAG has taken the reigns, many are complaining about QOL going down the toilet but you’re still using PBS. You’re being optimized and losing days off. Now that you’re getting to sample what will become of PBS under a management that loves them some productivity, what makes you think it would be better if we adopted it system wide? I’ll look at any system but wouldn’t vote in favor for something that would just lead me to the same optimized outcome while not gaining anything in return......Wasn’t this a thread on hiring....Ha!

Ispeakjive

The sour taste is your black heart. Your post count is climbing nicely, do you feel relevant yet?

echelon

What did you expect them to ask for? To be stapled to the bottom? They're just doing their job by advocating on behalf of their dues paying constituency, just like AS's union is.

Pick one, a&&h0le.

But no thanks to you though, right?

OTZeagle1

Not trying to be relevant. Just trying to be honest. You hate the company I work for, you pretend unity, be honest you guys really only care about yourselves. I hope Ispeak is soon a DAL 777 CA, ECH a Amr 777 CA. You can call me an outlier, I can tell you, I have talked with many of my contemporaries on my side. Almost all feel the same way. Some might not voice it, but that does not make it anymore or less true. I wish you all the best, just not at Alaska. Most of you, judging by your posts would be happier elsewhere anyways.

All Bizniz

Hahahaha
I'm a bit long in the tooth myself so I plan to make the best of it. When life gives you lemons......

I totally understand why you feel how you do but it's a negotiating tactic that all sides use. Have a look at all the other SLI proposals by the competing MECs in previous mergers.. . Always diametrically opposed.

I just ask that you don't cut off your nose to spite your face tho... There's a reason why most airlines are/have transitioned to PBS.. The airlines get improved labor efficiency but it is great for pilots too (the caveat being solid scheduling language of course). Win - Win if you ask me... You like winning, right?