Hrkdrivr

When will this be decided and by whom?

Gunter

Some think the top 10-25% will see some sort of benefit. These rocket surgeons are the ones entertaining PBS.

The reality is only the top 5% have a shot at overall schedule improvement. And only if they hate going on vacation. I think this push has more to do with the promise of a management position or special bonus. I also think the drive toward efficiency may make 5% a fleetingly optimistic prediction. If they can optimize 98-99% to a lower quality of life, they will make it so.

Our pairings are often changed by swapping a city here and there. When more than one new city is introduced the disruption can be widespread. Only the SIG minimizes this pain as company schedulers have absolutely no qualms inflicting maximum pain to the most people.

Gunter

I have trouble convincing some people of this basic fact. They don't understand it won't be like our secondary lines. There will be a global solution that must satisfied at all times. Even if you can request a trip with your seniority, it is only assigned if the global solution can be honored. If you require junior trips to reduce the number of reserve lines or spike of trips over certain weeks, that's what you'll get

For those who think the company hides too much with their reserve algorithm now, their secrets will have secrets under PBS. No workee at all without disclosure and a commitment to compromise when needed.

Huck

If the MEC ever attempts this I will personally lead the decertification campaign.

Busboy

Yah, but that's the top 5% in each seat, on each airplane. We have 11 different seats. So, wouldn't that be 55% of us?

Me and Mitt know how to balance the budget, too.

MacGuy2

I don't think so...I'm one of those "rocket surgeons" in the top 10% and I usually get my first choice of lines and can do serious damage with my vacation. Why would I or anyone with good seniority want to lose that benefit? Other than LT, I really don't think anyone is interested in PBS. I'm not even sure why we're continuing to have a discussion about something that no one wants.

MG2

Adlerdriver

Boredom: There's already a thread about the catering ration plan, no MD-11s broke this week, most deviations went okay, DPs were flown by reserves and BidX is working.

EPIRB

How about a thread about using the ALPA site for trip trades? $ *****s could profit by trading for trips that the company won't post due to insufficient reserves.

FDXLAG

You are confusing your mormons. That is definite Harry Reid math. Or as Joe Biden would say, well no one can really predict what Joe Biden would say.

golfandfly

I've also worked under PBS. It wasn't the end of the world, but I have to say the system at Fedex is much better.

Bidding can be very cumbersome. Basically, the company puts out the trips, and you build your schedule. Expect more "hard time" trips, greater efficiency, etc. These things are very good for the company, not so much for employees.

I found that, as a junior pilot, if you understood the system and could bid effectively, you could achieve a decent schedule. It did take time and effort though. They will also "work around" vacation and training events. This again adds to efficiency and fewer pilots required.

The simple fact that the company desires this system should tell you something. I think Fedex's scheduling system is the best I've encountered (and I've worked for a few airlines). I don't like a cap system. I like flying more is some periods of the year and flying less in others. Those of us with kids like working less in summer while some people like the time off in other times of the year. It's pretty rare that you can take a few months off and end up a W-2 that equals those that spread their flying out throughout the year. Again, I like this system, others may not...

I agree with some that it is simply a diversion tactic. They have us talking about PBS and not other contract issues. It will be a perceived win that we don't have PBS in our next contract. They know it's a nonstarter, but it is a good negotiating tactic by the company... Nothing new here..