Originally Posted by
Dave Fitzgerald
Know and fly your contract, insist on it!
Next time you get that ACARS message asking you to waive duty approaching the FAR 117 CCO time, just say no. I'm not really unhappy yet that we are late in the contract, but this is how things are, and fairly normal progression.
Not being happy is different than upset about it. Personally, I'm in the not unhappy category. So, I fly the contract, and don't waive. When I go to the place of being unhappy, it will be time to stop picking up flying, senior manning, and not answer crew desk phone calls. Then picketing, and more Wall Street presence.
My guess is more will happen when we get to the 1 year point. Soon....
Dave,
You come across as a smart guy.
FAR117 extension.....based on the situation. And never is an acceptable answer if that’s YOU saying I’m not willing to extend the 117 max.
Not picking up, etc. Fine as well. So long as that’s YOUR personal decision.
Please realize the company tracks all numbers regarding open time pickup, SL, and so on.
Me, I don’t extend and rarely fly above my award.
We have folks that play the PP game and pick up all the time.
The nuance is one is a personal decision rather than a perceived union position regarding the voluntary aspects of the UPA.
When/if folks start changing historical behavior on such items, you better believe the company will notice.
The union must make certain any and all communications are taking the high road regarding where we are in negotiations so as not to present an image of signaling a “work to rule.”
Just trying to say we are under the RLA. Status quo is the norm once the contract became amendable.
I say know the contract and fly it. Having worked the hotline for awhile, I can tell you most pilots know very little of the contract or FAR117.
If a pilot wants to take advantage of a provision in the UPA, they are free to do so. Just realize a drastic change in behavior by pilots across the system will be noticed.
We just need to be ready as individual pilots and the union as a whole if characteristic behavioral changes occur.
Folks, read the MEC updates, download the Did You Know documents. Check out the e-library on the MEC website.
Lee