Fixes to reserve
#171
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,071
I'm saying if you make the choice to commute, you live with that choice. Good and bad. That's all. Live where you want and commute, or move close to the domicile for more time at home. I empathize with the lifestyle choice of a commuter, but at the end of the day, it's 100% a choice every time you take any bid outside of the new hire bid. I judge my QOL by the number of nights my truck is in the driveway and I wake up in my own bed. That's the reason I gave up the commute and moved close to a domicile before my kids were in HS so there would be stability unless somehow they close IAH. If that were to happen I'd displace to whatever seat I could hold 50% BES as a commuter and bid up again and move to the new domicile after they graduate. But that's my personal choice based on my experiences.
To say we don't need reserve improvements due to a narrow circumstance is shortsighted at best. We are a union right?
#172
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2015
Position: 777 CA
Posts: 1,039
Long story short, whether they bid it or not, we will always have reserves which compromise 15-20% of our pilot group. Sometimes they are on reserve by choice and sometimes not. Commutes vary from 10 minutes to 2500+ miles. Some aren't afforded the choice to commute and as you well know, bids are not always available.
To say we don't need reserve improvements due to a narrow circumstance is shortsighted at best. We are a union right?
To say we don't need reserve improvements due to a narrow circumstance is shortsighted at best. We are a union right?
#173
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,071
I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. OFC we need reserve improvements. I was just saying that I don't think our goal should be making reserve better specifically for commuters. Make changes that benefit the group, not a subset of the group. Commuting is a choice, reserve isn't always. I'd personally think things like pure SC lines that pay more would work. Locals could pick them up allowing commuters to not have to fly in just to sit SC and not get used. Things that are win-win. I personally don't agree with spending negotiating capital on specifically making commuting to reserve easier.
#174
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2010
Position: 737 Cap
Posts: 451
I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. OFC we need reserve improvements. I was just saying that I don't think our goal should be making reserve better specifically for commuters. Make changes that benefit the group, not a subset of the group. Commuting is a choice, reserve isn't always. I'd personally think things like pure SC lines that pay more would work. Locals could pick them up allowing commuters to not have to fly in just to sit SC and not get used. Things that are win-win. I personally don't agree with spending negotiating capital on specifically making commuting to reserve easier.
Btw, your sc line idea isn't a bad one. Unfortunately, short of added leverage there will not be any changes. The company likes what they have. That alone should be enough to convince most that it isn't pilot friendly in many ways. For some, it is probably a good deal, but for others (base, seat, staffing) it clearly stinks.
#175
Banned
Joined APC: Mar 2015
Posts: 846
Not trying to debate the need to revise the reserve system but many of the complaints are the result of the company's implementation and interpretation of the contract. What may be a good idea is to start with 3 or 4 items to improves reserves for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter.
The "Prudent Pilot Program" is a good example of the commuter/non-commuter not disadvantaging one or the other of the groups and it turned out that those living locally could move farther from the base( longer drive) with confidence they had protection even though it was fashioned for the airplane commuter.
Better yet - what's ONE thing not currently covered by the contract or restricted by regulations that would make reserve better for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter group?
The "Prudent Pilot Program" is a good example of the commuter/non-commuter not disadvantaging one or the other of the groups and it turned out that those living locally could move farther from the base( longer drive) with confidence they had protection even though it was fashioned for the airplane commuter.
Better yet - what's ONE thing not currently covered by the contract or restricted by regulations that would make reserve better for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter group?
#176
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,071
Not trying to debate the need to revise the reserve system but many of the complaints are the result of the company's implementation and interpretation of the contract. What may be a good idea is to start with 3 or 4 items to improves reserves for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter.
The "Prudent Pilot Program" is a good example of the commuter/non-commuter not disadvantaging one or the other of the groups and it turned out that those living locally could move farther from the base( longer drive) with confidence they had protection even though it was fashioned for the airplane commuter.
Better yet - what's ONE thing not currently covered by the contract or restricted by regulations that would make reserve better for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter group?
The "Prudent Pilot Program" is a good example of the commuter/non-commuter not disadvantaging one or the other of the groups and it turned out that those living locally could move farther from the base( longer drive) with confidence they had protection even though it was fashioned for the airplane commuter.
Better yet - what's ONE thing not currently covered by the contract or restricted by regulations that would make reserve better for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter group?
#177
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 293
I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. OFC we need reserve improvements. I was just saying that I don't think our goal should be making reserve better specifically for commuters. Make changes that benefit the group, not a subset of the group. Commuting is a choice, reserve isn't always. I'd personally think things like pure SC lines that pay more would work. Locals could pick them up allowing commuters to not have to fly in just to sit SC and not get used. Things that are win-win. I personally don't agree with spending negotiating capital on specifically making commuting to reserve easier.
#178
Banned
Joined APC: Mar 2015
Posts: 846
Reserve bypass - is that by seniority or FIFO?
Splitting trips - is that for the the crew or company to decide. Could lead to more deadheading and/or forcing flying into a base. Sled may not like that.
#179
Reserve and Improvements
The SC/FSB assignment process an be handled by an LOA. While the new MEC gets up to speed for Section 6 over the next two years they can get this and the LTD issue cleaned up.
Great way to show it isn't the same old same old.
Great way to show it isn't the same old same old.
#180
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: May 2015
Position: 777 CA
Posts: 1,039
Someone mentioned a limit on involuntary SC. Sounds great as well, and maybe change it so voluntary SC has no limit on number.
All this can be done with LOAs. The MEC has the right man in the job, get resolutions out to start the process moving.
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