HybridSurfer

You lost the little credibility you had with this.

otter1

As far as the "someday you'll be senior" comment, I've heard that at my last 3 part 121 carriers, two of which had massive furloughs, so I don't believe that is a good argument.

I don't like the current method of bidding daily open time. Before it is changed, though, we need to correct the very high disparity in the pay scales. We have one of the greatest, if not the greatest, disparity between junior and senior pay scales in the industry. On top of that, it takes 15 years to get there, instead of the industry standard 12. Changing daily open time to a seniority based system tilts the scales even further.

One of the few ways for junior guys to get more pay is by the current system, flawed as it is.

So fix the pay scales to reflect what most all other legacies and majors do, then I would support a seniority-based daily open time pickup.

HybridSurfer

Valid points.

Fix pay, to include OT and a lot of the issues will go away.

We are our worst enemies since a good number of pilots are willing to work for straight pay. Gives the company no incentive to fix it. Divide and conquer at its finest.

It's like this whole Ipads for distance learning. One should have not be tied to the other. Shinny new jet syndrome... but with the Ipads.

So we lost 2 days off as a net result of doing it at home. I know guys will do it at their leisure on overnights etc. But please be careful with when you do it... I see potential liability if doing training while we are supposed to be resting.

flyingpuma1

I guess I don't see what's wrong with the way things are now. Initial is done by seniority and daily is done first come first serve. What's the big problem?

ManFlex

There is nothing wrong with the current system, but in order to satiate their appetites for money a small group of FLL pilots are trying to stack the deck in their favor. They are doing it under the guise of 'fairness' and 'respecting seniority'...when it suits them.

HybridSurfer

The real issue I have is the guys using autobid software and trips disappearing in no time. Jetblue had that problem and they put an end to it somehow. Fix that, and keep it as first come first serve all you want.

ManFlex

Is this truly happening (autobid software)? I don't know. The trips disappearing is more a function of crew scheduling hiding open time than anything else. That is likely a real problem, however, as a regular line pilot it is incredibly difficult to prove.

Keizer Soze

I tend to agree with this. I do not see this practice of dropping trips in ones domicile and picking up trips where they live (I am sure this is not exclusively happening in FLL) as circumventing seniority. Initial bids, including system bid, is awarded by seniority. Initial open time is awarded by seniority. Open time is first come first served. Although I have not done so often, in my short time here I have come to enjoy the flexibility of picking up trips in other bases, especially since I am a commuter and can commute to any of our bases, excluding ACY. For the sake of my family and QOL I would hate to lose that flexibility.

I do not believe that this practice should necessarily change, but, if it does change, why is the pilot group willing to give this up before negotiations start? Seems to me that we should not be talking about changes in our work rules so close to the beginning of our new contract negotiations. After all, everyone brags about how great our work rules are. If, in fact, we are willing to give up such a great work rule shouldn't we get something in return for it? Like industry average pay, or better LTD, or direct contribution to 401K?

This resolution and its timing seems extremely short sighted to me.

Dilbert

I agree. I would also like to see picking up out of base removed from the equation. Commuters drop trips in their base and pick up in mine and I can't trade. Don't like it. And I am allowed not to like it people who are gonna hate because I said it.

Lobaeux

So, let me ask: can we not pick up open time anymore within two days of a trip showing up in open time? I realize we can't through FLICA, but are we no longer allowed to call scheduling to try? Are trips within two days that show up now only for reserves?