Originally Posted by
NoJoy
OK good pt. I will add that a crew on a given trip that starts with A.M. departers will keep them until the end of the trip. If the crew starts with P.M. departures-same thing. Mixing and matching adds to fatigue. Maybe a little un-realistic, but if crews keep the same hrs throughout the trip, it benifits greatly.
You know what---that's an excellent point too. Not unrealistic at all.
This very idea would go a long way towards combating overall fatigue and exhaustion, which of course directly affects our QOL in and outside of work.
At my company, those type of trip schedules are offered in the monthly bids. Unfortunately there are not always enough as some of us would like. At least not enough to have on a consistent basis. I have brought the issue up to certain folks with an input into scheduling. The usual response is "you're not a commuter--so you don't understand".
They're correct, I am not a commuter. I am, however, wiped-out and exhausted when I have to 'switch-gears' week in and week out. Our human bodies function best on a long-term, stable sleep schedule. I have had periods of time, usually no more than 4-5 weeks, in which all my trips were early AM, which matches our family's schedule at home. There was a noticeable improvement in all areas of my work and personal life.
I cannot understand why this issue is not addressed more. Legislative language isn't even needed. I have to assume that if the will to do so existed, each companies' scheduling dept could make a difference in this one area alone.
Again--great point.