Originally Posted by
NoOneSpecial
SDO pay is already a win-win. It provides the company motivation to place all flying in lines, increasing the amount of line flying. It provides pilots motivation to pick up open time because there will always be some degree of open time. Without SDO pay open time will either be Junior Manned (that better stay 1.5x or no one will answer their phone!) or the reserves will fly it and they'll need more reserves. How is that saving the company money? I didn't say I wanted another 4 day, just a day or two to bring the credits up a little. You really think we'll all get 15 days off? That means an average 5 block hour day to make guarantee. I don't think scheduling can make the mental leap.
There will have to substantial QOL increases such that I don't need to pick up open time in order for me to vote yes to loosing SDO pay.
I agree it was intended to be a win-win, but ended up being a QOL killer. Try trip trade a trip that's worth less time. Can't do it. Why? Because they would have to put your original trip in open time and pay the other pilot more to fly it. Our management has shown that even for 1 minute of pay they are not going to allow the change. Hopefully in the new contract we will have duty rigs and each day is going to be worth at least 5hrs? 4? 3??? I have no idea but if we get a min day pay then it would be in the best interest of the company to fly us to that minimum or more. It will end up being more days off, with more efficient trips. Personally i would like to see 2 for 1 pay. That we get paid at least 1 hours pay for each 2 hours on duty. Want to make me work 14hr duty day? Great then pay me for it. Want me to sit in a hotel for 18hrs. Great then i'm getting paid for it.