Originally Posted by
HybridSurfer
IMO the only reasonable solution is to make Open Time based on the following:
A daily window that closes in the late afternoon that allows everyone an equal opportunity to bid. This removes the guys using auto-bidding software out of the equation. Then make the assignments automatic based on seniorty. Moreover, let people from out of base to continue picking it up. Since its seniority based, it's self correcting.
Regarding some junior guys not liking the seniority concept... not sure what to say other than eventually you will be senior.
As far as the "someday you'll be senior" comment, I've heard that at my last 3 part 121 carriers, two of which had massive furloughs, so I don't believe that is a good argument.
I don't like the current method of bidding daily open time. Before it is changed, though, we need to correct the very high disparity in the pay scales. We have one of the greatest, if not the greatest, disparity between junior and senior pay scales in the industry. On top of that, it takes 15 years to get there, instead of the industry standard 12. Changing daily open time to a seniority based system tilts the scales even further.
One of the few ways for junior guys to get more pay is by the current system, flawed as it is.
So fix the pay scales to reflect what most all other legacies and majors do, then I would support a seniority-based daily open time pickup.