Originally Posted by
WelcomeToBen
Exactly.. I can't figure out which work rules everybody is talking about. Transition benefits about 5% of the pilot group, our trip/duty rigs are weak, and trip averaging essentially guarantees that we never get paid for anything over block. For those who do benefit from the transition, they have to organize their entire life around the beginning and end of each month. Based on what I've been reading on the AA threads our work rules are potentially better but like Qotsaautopilot said, DAL, UAL, and most others besides Virgin and Allegiant have us beat. The only two things worth bragging about here are our red/green language and 4 days off (which is a double edged sword but that's another issue). JRM's and making deals with crew scheduling aren't work rules. All of that crap will come to an end at some point.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy working here and would like to make it a career. I just hope we stop convincing ourselves that we have the best work rules in the industry and realize that we have a lot of work to do on this next contract. Pay rates, retirement, LTD (seriously, ours is hands down one of the worst in the industry), and higher daily min credit to name a few areas in which we lag dramatically behind our peers.
I generally agree, except……the red/green language only appears to be worth bragging about because we are overstaffed at present.
Section 25 R 4 a 1, does NOT include any sort of staffing formula. It says and I quote, "
Required daily minimum reserve coverage will be established by the Company base on it's experience as to the number or required reserve pilots"
The only reason you're currently pleased with red/green is the fact that we are overstaffed. There is nothing (that I'm aware of, correct me if I'm wrong) that will stop the company from making every day red once that becomes the cheapest way for them to operate.
And yes, 5/4 days off is a double edged sword. It essentially forces all of us into 10/9 day rotations vs a more life matching 7 day rotation. i.e., 4 off equals six on. Don't get me wrong, I'm not willing to give it up, but I do understand that there is a downside to the 5/4 off rule.