Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
Scoop,
Been in Bucket two, converted to short call and used anyway LOTS of times. I don't pay attention, or care about, the buckets because it certainly appears the schedulers are able to manipulate the system so easily anyway. They just let the trip sit until it is <12, >10 convert and assign it anyway. Double all nighters seem to particularly follow this formula because of the later DI times.
Of course, been converted out of SC plenty of times too.
With the nearly unlimited ability to deal and withdraw SC, the bucket system really does not matter as much as everyone says it does. If they want to give their buddy the great 4 day and send you on the double red eye, might as well pack your bags without your sunglasses.
Bar,
I think you are making my point - the issues with reserve are not because of an unfair bucket system. By the way, I agree with everything that you say above but still feel that this does not reward senior guys at the expense of junior guys.
Are the schedulers out to help the senior guys get a good deal or do they just care about putting a butt in the seat?
There is plenty about the reserve system that has been greatly improved - and plenty that can still be improved - especially, as you say say short call assignments but in regards to rewarding seniority I think it is a good compromise.
Remember - in the past it was straight seniority every trip assignment and every reserve had two short call windows every day. So it has gotten a lot better. Can we still improve it? Absolutely, but it is not nearly as bad as some make it out to be. Not to mention that many who would be forced to fly reserve can now bid a line because you more senior people bidding reserve.
Scoop