Originally Posted by
Flycameron
Couldn't agree more. They are just starting to have serious staffing issues and the more we need guys the more flying we all have to do. Two years ago Chip told me that they don't want us to be around for more than three years but as of last week I was told they don't want to loose anyone. In fact I was told just the opposite, they want the senior guys to stick around. They provide the experience and time that you don't just let go. If you think it's bad now, just wait because the staffing issues are just beginning.
Maybe it is a simple as that. The only problem is that they could resolve a lot of this by working with us. Just bumping up the minimum reserve numbers so you can't drop trips, just increases the number of sick calls as CCB alluded to. 2 things would help and seem really easy to me.
1- Allow us to pickup trips again on the same duty day. There is no reason we shouldn't be able to add a round trip. I'm already at the airport, let me add a round trip. They blame this on 117, but it really is because we don't have the tools to calculate this on the fly. I used to pickup stuff all the time since I was already there to pad my check. This would reduce reserve usage and free them up for other flying.
2- Proffering for reserves. Allow reserves to pickup trips and have some small control over their lives. I know that is taking control away from AS, but that is a stupid reason not to do this. Apparently, the company is trying to decide how much they need to make this happen. I think there would be a dramatic increase in flying that was covered. I know as a reserve I would much rather fly than just sit at the airport. If the first round trips are being dropped in the morning, then allow line holders to post it for pickup. There may be some reserve that wouldn't mind coming in to do that.
Funny but it sounds like the company is starting to realize that if you don't have reserve coverage, we will just call in. You can only push people so far before they just stop caring.