FDX reserve question
 

I was recently removed from a reserve trip due to a scheduling error. It was assigned as a check ride way early in the month, but they realized I wasn't due. I thought the new contract intent was that anything assigned, even if taken away, was to be leveled. I called the union and scheduling and they both said not so. Actually, one contract enforcement person said they didn't see where it said no leveling, and the other disagreed. This is what the contract says, and it looks black and white to me. Help. Is it just me , but every time I call the union about a scheduling question, it seems they are leaning toward the company's side if it is a gray area.

H. Reserve Credit Hour Accrual

1. A pilot who is assigned a trip(s) or base standby in reserve status shall have the trip guarantee or standby pay credited toward his leveling and/or RLG as follows:

a. For leveling, trip guarantee or standby pay shall be credited upon assignment.

b. For RLG, trip guarantee or standby pay shall be credited when that pilot:

i. actually blocks out on the trip;

ii. shows for the standby;

iii. is bumped from the trip or standby; or

iv. is removed from the reserve assignment for sick leave in accordance with Section 14.B.5.b. (Sick Leave).

I think if you had actually showed/checked in for the trip, then the leveling would have occurred.

I've been assigned a trip off of reserve in the past worth approx 20+ hours.....had something happen on the 1st leg so that we returned to domicile. Ended up only working about 6 credit hours or so. The leveling, however, remained at the originally assigned trip.

I definitely understand your point based on the contract language. Hope this helps somewhat.

I think "scheduling error" lets the company "un-due" any mistake they ever made and pretend like it never happened :confused:

Where does it say that I actually have to show/check in? That's what contract enforcement tells me, but reading the contract doesn't tell me that at all. Unless I'm mistaken, the first line says it all. Once assigned, leveled.

I had something similar happen to me a long time ago, and I was told that since checkrides and IOE are done by IOE scheduling, vice CRS, that the language in the contract wasn't meant to cover those trips. I agree though that the contract spells it out black and white, regardless of "accepted practice". The union rolls over on a lot of issues like this one, on the ground that, "We can't win, so why fight..." Sounds pathetic...

I think you only get leveling in this case of you were 53 or older when the contract was signed or have a porn star moustache.

I kid! I kid! I am a kidder!!

nevermind....

grievance
 

I usually agree with what the union says, but this one bugs me. Has anyone ever grieved a point that the union won't back? This is such a simple thing, yet it was one of the reasons I thought reserve scheduling was improved. Guess I was wrong again.

Sounds to me that you should have been leveled once you were assigned the trip.

Several months ago, I was assigned a trip. I was called about 12:01AM and was told that the trip was cancelled, however they had another trip for me instead. I was leveled for both trips, the one that I was assigned and never flew, the other that I actually flew. Reminded me why I should never answer the phone if I am already assigned a trip though.....

I agree with your comments about contract enforcement. They seem to look for every reason NOT to pursue these kind of things... I've had similar experiences as you...

Juniority,
Our last LEC meeting in Anchorage addressed this very issue. Seems like lots of complaints against contract enforcement. We were asked to provide our reps with examples/dates/times of when we called Contract Enforcement and received a "less than motivated" response.
I recommend you contact your block rep and relay this story to them.