Originally Posted by
UALinIAH
What about the seniority of the guy who got into the position he wanted via base trade instead of looking at the junior guy? Maybe he/she got into a base he’s more than senior enough to hold but he couldn’t get there because there hasn’t been a vacancy? Should he/she not be able to use his/her seniority? There’s 2 sides to a base trade. I feel your pain about vacancies but it’s not one sided and anyone can roll the dice and get in the seat they want and hope for a base trade.
I do find it ironic that a select few people are talking about a “windfall” for people who are being displaced out of a seat they were awarded through a seniority vacancy bid. We should kick them while they’re down and being bumped so you can benefit??
A base trade gives flexibility but does not always honor seniority. Vacancy bids are the primary way to move seats/bases and ensure seniority is honored (although not perfect). I feel you with the ORD 777 displacement but....would you feel different if you were a 18 year 320 FO waiting for your chance to bid Captain in base? Those guys got hosed. Movement in ORD is slow enough without people who can’t legitimately hold the seat getting in before you. The seniority system sometimes sucks but it needs to be honored.