Originally Posted by
Hilltopper89
When I was on reserve I never answered the phone even when on long or short call. I always listened to the message first.
Be wary about calling them when you're off. I thought about it a few times when I had picked up late report assignments day 1 then later saw a better assignment I wanted. I was afraid to call and ask for those better trips because I was worried they'd say, " no. You can't have that trip. But since I've got you on the phone here's an 0630 departure. Enjoy."
Multiple times I had scheduling call me 6ish pm last day off 10 minutes after an early report trip popped into open time and they wouldn't leave a message. I surmise that early report trips appeared and they were trolling down the list to get some dummy to answer.
I totally agree w this perspective. It is hazardous to talk to them when not required. But they still have to comply with UPA so contacting them regarding assignments made after 1800 they can't assign you earlier than 1200 if you don't waive. If I call them after 1800 to pickup a nicer assignment they can't give me a new assignment earlier than 1200, but they can, as you say, give me a worse assignment "while I've got you on the phone."