Originally Posted by DeadHead

I think a lot of the angst is probably due to all the sick call verification/accusation talk on here lately. I'm doubtful that every pilot who calls in sick is a target, just as every pilot who calls in sick is being entirely honest. I have no idea what the final lack of crew cancellation count will be, but I'm sure the lack of coverage will carry over into the next few days and into New Years.

I'm curious to see what the company says about it in a few days, and I really hope that communication doesn't come across as accusatory towards the pilot group in any way. Management, as good as they are right now, needs to be a little more fluid in their approach with the pilot group going into next contract.
Basically bank sick time, holiday pay, ability to green slip in advance on big holidays (or whenever scheduling will clearly run dry on reserves).....just a few ideas. If management plans on running an overally lean pilot staffing level then they will need to find other ways to get adequate coverage on certain holidays and/or summertime flying. Basically money talks, and sweetening the pot on busy days and de-incentivizing sick leave abuse are a better solution than not hiring while ignoring the problem.

Just a few of my own thoughts.