Originally Posted by
Jeffdh17
Word......O.K. let me explain what's going on with this. I too have made many many many mentions of this issue with the union. Unfortunately I keep getting the samed "canned" answer.
The union at Comair only works on issues that affect senior pilots. Look at the reserve contract. It magically got attention when it affected those high enough in senority due to the furloughing of pilots. Honestly, how many email updates did we get regarding the long call window call in process once senior pilots began to be affected by it. It was an issue the entire time I was on reserve at Comair, but got little to no attention.
I'd imagine approaching management to get an idea of what's really going on, is the best way to get proper information about this. The union is worried about things like whether Capt. Oldpants is going to have to interrupt his early evening dinner at Luby's to call in for the Long Call Window or if a computer software system is to their liking (EMaestro) rather than on important stuff like jobs.
Ask yourself this. When part time lines or reduced line values were offered to mitigate job losses, did anyone ask you (furloughees) how you felt about that? A handful of people made the decision for you. Those people are not looking out for you. They are looking out for themselves.
Actually much concern was raised about the LC-call in issues only it was ignored by the company. Not until ASAP was reinstated did the Feds get involved and "Magically" it received attention. By timing this did occur while more "Senior" people were getting reserve. The reason it was changed was ASAP, period. Not seniority pressure. Plenty of pressure was being applied before then, but the company refused to act, until they were forced.
The union tries to make improvements constantly. Unfortunately, until a contract is opened up for negotiations, not much can be changed. Unless there are Legal and/or Financial ramifications.
As far as the short line issues. The company would not agree to more days off for a short line, which is a big problem. Getting a 65 hour line with 11 days off is worthless. Besides no one would be getting recalled now if they had that flexibility in the schedule. The 82 hour min is driving the recalls. Can't build enough lines, forces so much unproductive work onto the reserves = more reserve pilots needed (Recalls).
It's tough out there guys/gals. Keep your head up, it will and does turn around. The cycle continues. BTW - Not a senior guy here at all. 15 years 121, 3 airlines, FO on a RJ. Payin my dues.