Originally Posted by
Approach1260
Then again based on talk from the union it would seem our reps are considering limiting or removing SAP in exchange for PBS, so I wouldn't bank on SAP being around in its current form for more than another year or two.
*le sigh*
Please go educate yourself on PBS. Once you do, PM me an explanation of how SAP, as we know it, would be of any benefit without destroying seniority more than we already have by allowing senior manning of upgrades and making seniority worthless on reserve with the bucket system.
Retaining SAP by having a 2-round PBS bid with flying withheld for a "SAP" pot means you are taking lines away from the upper echelon of low-seniority pilots to accommodate senior pilots that have screwed up their bids. If a senior person bids properly they WILL get the line they could/would SAP into (as long as the system rules match the current SAP parameters). They may lose the fine-grain control of hand-picking trips from the pot, but days off, start times, overnights, and total credit are all things you should be able to provide bid rules for.
A 1-round bid would really make SAP a nearly useless tool, you might as well just call it FCFS and get something in exchange for "giving up SAP."
I'm in favor of the latter. I want every trip and reserve block to be in the pot from the get-go so I can bid a hybrid line with 14+ days off worth 65-75 hours every month. There should be ZERO open time remaining when the bid is closed so reserves only get used when someone calls out sick, takes MIl leave, or needs a PED/PUD (or for operational necessity 🤣
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