Originally Posted by
PBSG
First off - Work the system? For XJT Bidding you look at what line you want, type in to a box and hit 'Submit'. Awarded in seniority order. Most of us at XJT feel that PBS is very fragile and sensitive when trying to get a decent line, and besides PBS could be the absolute best system out there - I'm not disagreeing one way or another - But from a technology standpoint most guys on the XJT side do not feel the company can successfully pull it off. IT-wise we've had so many failures in the past number of years, that if they want PBS they need a HUGE upgrade on the IT side.
I hate this statement. Might as well say "Well guys, everyone else has it so we need it too. Gotta be cost competitive."
Please understand that one of the biggest work rule comparison that I have heard pushed is the trading of initial open time, after the bids are awarded but before relief lines are built. Several erj pilots have stated that they wait for the moment that open time is available so that they can switch out whatever they don't like in their schedule for the good trips that were dropped by senior pilots because of conflicts.
It's really no different here, our open time becomes free for all on the 1st of the month and I 'work the system' so to speak to get my weekends off.
As for IT, I definitely echo your concerns. The -200 FOs have had multiple issues with getting our schedules on time and the frequency of reserve errors and subsequent grievances is way too high. That said, Skywest IT seems to get things fixed fairly quickly and might make a smooth transition for you if it comes to that.
As for my last statement, I think context is important - what happens if the company demands PBS and the pilot group says absolutely not. How will it look to the NTSB or a mediator if PBS is industry standard but we refuse?