Originally Posted by
pilot64golfer
"Select few"!? Its a seniority based system. That's what seniority is all about. If you think its wrong, then don't bid and let those junior to you get what they want. I got news, lots of guys could be in the top 10% in their category, but they really wanted that Captain upgrade, or that WB FO, or that 767 FO.
You get mostly what you bid for on your monthly preferencing every month right? Do you complain how unfair it is and think that some months other pilots should bid first?
If you don't think seniority should "have that kind of power" then go volunteer for ALPA and change the seniority system to some other kind of system. Until then, its all about seniority.
While I'm not happy with January vacation I also am not complaining about it. I knew the system was pure seniority (and knowing how to work PBS) when I came on. I realize that at some point in the future I'll get mostly what I ask for and the guys at the bottom won't. I'm fine with it. Actually, I prefer it compared to the "merit based" system I had in the military where 70% of the folks who got promotions and accolades deserved them...but that 30% who didn't but got them anyhow really irked me. Seniority basing is easy. I never have to think about and fret over it. Just wait.
Cheers,
HT