Not that I want to squash a good conspiracy theory, but I took the poll recently and no one mentioned here that they asked about real time trip trading. I gave that question a 5.

 

Seniority may give me the right to choose the blue scooby snack, but not the jerky found in the green one. While I acknowledge the seniority issue that permeates our industry, it should only go so far. I am no fan of bot bidders, but I am more adverse to spending lucrative negotiating capital on issues that benefit a small demographic versus the greater good, especially when that demographic has reaped the most out of the most recent contract and legislative changes.

 

Who knows how it will go. By the time there is a vote on a new contract all of the current over 60 guys will be gone or on the panel of the 727. I hope FoxHunter kept his 3 strip epaulets. (I know he never got them but he will need them again)
Oh, wait he has another shoulder to get worked on. I'm guessing in about 2.5 years.

 

They should restate the question. "If the company demands seniority based open time would you want ALPA involved in the implementation?"

 

And don't forget to preface your statement with, "the train is leaving the station."

 

We need to act before foreign pilots take our flying!

 

Have you ever thought it may be the company that would prefer the seniority based system? The time based trip trades were from the era when you filled out a form and either FAX'd it, or handed it to CRS. I think you will find that senior people do very little trip trading. They just pick a number of lines they like and in most cases get one of the top three. The real battle for open time is in the mid to junior people in each seat position.

 

Oh sure. They would love to field the grievances when trip trades didn't go by seniority order.

Are you kidding me?

 

You know, it always sickens me just a bit when this happens...But, FH might have a point. If the senior guys get all the good trips and vacations...Then what makes everyone think they even bother with open time? To increase their BLGs?

Seniority based open time is not really such a whacky idea. Not, if there were other protections to go along with it. Like a cap on straight time flying.

I'd prefer knowing that someday I may be the guy that can get that choice trip. I know I'm never going to be one of scheduling's "favored" boys, that always seem to have that earlier time stamp. And, not everyone plans on using a "bot" to scarf up the open trips...But, I think everyone does plan on getting more senior.

Of course, my seniority plan appears like its going to stagnate for about 5 more years than I had planned...So, maybe I'll wait and see where we are when it comes time to vote.

 

You might be right except that this particular group has made a career of looking out for themselves and screwing those below them (even their own family) at any cost. There is no doubt in my mind they would get rid of whatever trip they didn't like on that otherwise senior line and grab the better trip with more pay at the junior pilot's cost. Nope, I think the Greediest Generation has done enough damage and taken more than they ever deserved. Why give them even more? A definite "No" vote from me...