You got it all right.

We can't see the reserve pool so we have no idea what the possibilities may or not be for adjusting our schedule before we try. We used to see it so we would not even try the trade because we could see there was no coverage. Now, every trade is totally in the blind. We have to shotgun everything hoping for something. That may be why the fail percentage is so high--there are so many more attempts than there used to be.

Another problem is the reserve levels are at the whim of the company. They seemed to have jacked up the min levels so they're always below coverage. They have "sole discretion," the union can "review, consult, recommend"--a bit unbalanced in my view. The company has to do what it has to do, but I would have liked to see a specific formula so at least there'd be a rationale for the levels that could be checked and verified. 20-P-5 is a total waste of bytes, "you decide and share, we say oh."

20-P-5 At its sole discretion, the Company shall determine the specific staffing parameters and metrics that govern trip-trading. The Company agrees to share the general methodology and variables with the SSC, and shall allow the SSC to review specific staffing parameters and metrics at least monthly. The SSC shall be given the opportunity to consult with and make recommendations to the Company on trade criteria, system performance, system upgrades, and error resolution.