It's completely voluntary, there are no minimum takers required, and if no one takes it then the line values for everyone are an hour or two less [correction--probably just a few minutes to an hour less] assigned during the normal bidding process, which is what would happen anyway. The only problem is the formula they're using. It seems that we're chronically understaffed, and just when we have about the right number during the low-hour months, we go understaffed again because of this program.

On the other hand, it can be very convenient if you're willing to take the pay hit. They offered it several Decembers ago and I asked for 24 to 30th off, got it, and was more than happy to spend the holidays with my family. For a junior pilot who cannot get a vacation week during the holidays, it was great.

Some of the senior pilots griped about the fact that someone junior to them had Christmas off while they didn't. Well, if you want Christmas off, you could have asked for it, too, but you didn't because you'd rather have a week's pay than spend a week with your family. Not my problem. You picked up open to time to put me, and keep me, furloughed so I'm not sympathetic to your plaint.