Call it "unintended consequences", "unforseen issues" or whatever. With labor contracts they know they can do whatever they want if it isn't addressed in the CBA. Totally new additions to the CBA can be minefield.

Something this big will have teething pains. I guarantee you that we would suffer each time an issue comes up. Management's fangs will be out.

Don't make the mistake of glossing over that eventuality.

 

Agree completely. The side of my company that used PBS has seen that first hand, the teething pains as well as exploiting every loophole (unstacking as an example) at will.

But conversely, management pooched the screw on the vacation low provision.

 

They already want to control every move we make on duty. And with the HKG FDA, now it's your off time AND your wives activities--or they fire you.

The FDA folks now have to submit their families passports for scrutiny to prevent disciplinary action. Much like the domestic pilots now have to forward marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc. to prevent health care termination.

What on God's Green Earth makes anyone think they will cede any control whatsoever if PBS comes along? Come on.

 

DAL performs equivalent block hour flying with several THOUSAND LESS pilots now than we had prior to PBS....nuff said ??

Regards,
BG

 

There is only one reason an airline would spend vast sums of money to acquire PBS software (has anyone got the scoop on the cost of one of these programs?? I've heard it is VERY expensive!)!!

It saves them a ton of money by reducing the number of pilots required to staff the airline and the ones that are left have a much reduced QOL.

No more discussion is necessary. It is a show stopper for me.

 

Seems pretty simple to me. If the Company wants PBS, it is good for them and not for us. Its use is purely for cost savings and optimization. If our guys dont realize that, they are knuckleheads. Certainly a no go for me, as I am familiar with it.

 

"No more discussion is necessary. It is a show stopper for me."

I suppose it is not to early to begin recapping what the "Show Stopper" issues are (in terms of Mgmt monkeying with them). So far I have (in no particular order):

1. PBS
2. Vacation
3. Retirement (Age as well as benefits)
4. Pay (any degradation thereof)


What say yee?

 

+1,000,000,000

 

I've worked under PBS, and it wasn't the end of the world. But, we didn't have the vacation system that we have at FDX. It would be a real quality of life issue to switch to PBS for that reason alone.

Again, the goal of PBS is to optimize our schedules. I've seen enough optimization lately, our schedules are definitely getting worse. I wouldn't vote for a contract that includes a PBS.

For those that haven't used one, it simply takes all of the individual pairings and instead of the company and SIG making the monthly lines, you make your own line. I've had very good schedules, some not so good. I found that while seniority is important, a good knowledge of the software is also key to getting a good schedule. Of course, this system "bids around" your vacation and training. This leads to optimization, and makes us work more. PBS generally uses a monthly cap, which is another thing I am not in favor of. I like being able to work slow months in the summer (kids out of school) and pick it up more in the winter. .

 

"Show Stopper"

Give me a break!!!!


You know if the MEC says this is good for us 68% will vote in favor of it.