Originally Posted by
Check Essential
I think a grievance would be interesting.
The logic is simple:
The contract sets an ALV. (22.C.1 Note 2)
The contract sets a pick-up limit of ALV +15. (23.P.7.a)
The contract says the Pilot to Pilot Swap Board can't be used if the transaction would create or be within one hour of creating an FAR or PWA conflict. (23.F.7.b)
How does the company (and ALPA!!) ignore that language?
How is it not a violation?
The max pick-up rule has a long history on this property. It has always been accepted and explained by saying "the contract protects us from the company AND FROM OURSELVES."
I think that principle was too casually abandoned by ALPA when the "Swap Board" was created and trip parking somehow got endorsed as a way to get around the contractual pick up limit.
That sounds good. I say, "file it!" You could probably get some others on board for a group grievance. With the Company's recent staffing decisions and statements that we're planning to adjust flying below demand my guess is that the 2012 capacity adjustments are going to be disappointing. Anything that helps keep more pilots employed (especialy while the Co. is making money) is a good thing.