I understand that. However by having the 115% and 130% brackets it is an effective pay cut for open time. People picking up trips at those lower brackets are losing out on the 150% pay just because the don't have patience. The company knew that introducing those two extra brackets would reduce their costs and mean they have to pay less 150% pay. In my opinion it was a huge mistake and concession to accept anything other than 150% pay for open time.

With regard to vacation something needs to be done. The bro pilots couldn't bid any master vacation after march 2015. Then with an upgrade or base switch i wasn't awarded master vacation in 2016. That's 2 years with no vacation. I put in for vacation every month. Every time it is denied. I have a whole page of denials on my swol. I know people that have bid for vacation every week of the year and get awarded barely anything.

There is no reason you can't take your vacation with you while honoring seniority if the company had enough reserves. If you can hold it in seat/base then you key your vacation. They just need enough reserves to cover it.

Airfix