I think if you look at the language in the SLI award, it states that "no former Northwest pilot will be awarded a 777 position unless there are insuffcient bidders" or something of that nature. In other words it "fences out" the FNW pilots from the 777, rather than "fencing in" the FDAL pilots (and vice versa on the 747/787.) Since newhires are not FDAL or FNW - with that language, they would not be fenced out/off anything. Like others have said though, I doubt it becomes an issue.

And on answering the phone - remember, technically, you are NEVER required to answer your phone. (If you're on the john, they'd probably prefer you didn't, I'd wager.) You are, however, required to acknowledge assignments in a timely manner - the manner of timeliness depending on your call status. Long call, as others have said is NLT than three hours before report. With short call, you should probably return the call or acknowlege within 5 or 10 minutes. Otherwise you'll start getting them all riled up. I generally do try to talk to someone if the callout time is minimal, just to give them a realistic idea of when I'll get there. If they're calling for a trip that doesn't report for 5 hours, I'll generally acknowlege via automation as soon as I'm able.