Originally Posted by OpenClimb

Sure. I'll give it a whirl, but understand that I'm in no way saying our contract is even close to adequate. I never know when people ask these types of questions if their intent is to engage in some sort of debate to make the point that our work rules aren't all they're cracked up to be. I'm conceding your point if that's your intent.

Good things:

1. Ability to replace used sick time on a "per duty period" basis.

If a pilot uses 2 days of sick time to cover a 12 hour 2 day trip, he can replace these sick days by picking up a 2 day trip containing one 75 minute leg on the 1st day and a deadhead back home on day 2.

2. Ability to modify our awarded lines of flying by using a free market style system for adds, drops, swaps and trades.

This point probably needs an asterisk notation because certain pilot-hating company representatives in crew planning continue to sabotage the system by hiding trips and doing anything they can think of to drive as much flying away from lineholders and towards reserves that have been bought and paid for via a minimum monthly guarantee.

3. Multiple specific duty periods for reserves. No airport or ready reserve requirement. Limitations, in some cases, on maximum duty period that protect us from the holes left for reserves by Part 117.

There may be more, but I'm really struggling to come up with much good to say. If you read my original post, that was my point. Folks almost reflexively say things like "our pay sucks, but we've got great work rules." As I said, there are a couple of good things, but in the end, not nearly enough to make up for wages that are $70-$90 per hour lower than they should be.

Originally Posted by NWSteeringArmer

I'd be willing to bet that no one in the industry has better vacation than us... That's by far the best part in my opinion... I've knocked out 120 hours and four 5 days trips... One month I had 82 hours and 25 days off... The other month I had 135 credit and 18 days off... But because of this, 5 days no longer exist... I'm shocked they even honor our vacation....

Originally Posted by FlynDive

Hi All: Long-time lurker, first-time poster.
Thanks for info Open.
Keeping on the "hiring" thread topic... I HAVE read this thread, but appreciate more current info re QOL for a new-hire:
1. Min days off?
2. Commutability of reserve (junior line)?
3. Probability of extension into day off?
4. Other current/trending QOL considerations (other than sub-par $$$/hr) for a newbie?
5. Probability ORD will continue to be a domicile?
I live in Midwest and ORD would be first choice for domicile. Have not submitted app yet.
Current RJ Capt/LCA. ~12,000 TT.
THANKS for any/all updated info!

Originally Posted by OHPilot213

1.) 12 days off
2.) Reserve C, 1200-2230 is most commutable generally if you can get home after 2130 scheduling might let you out early, other reserve times will be commutable on 1 end
3.) It's difficult for scheduling to JA, you cannot be JA'ed on reserve while calling for a release
4.) ORD might not be obtainable for a while, last new hire class anyone who wanted ORD all went to DEN, go back and read previous pages really, differing opinions on this one
5.) Who knows really?

I was hired around 3500TT, I've been here a year

Originally Posted by FlynDive

Thanks for the quick reply OH... good info!
I don't mind DEN (or anywhere) for a while, as long as ORD will (could/likely) be an option.
Any BIG surprises in your first year??

Originally Posted by OHPilot213

The 8 months it took to hold ORD was about the only surprise I had ...

Originally Posted by Hou757

How senior are you?

Originally Posted by FlynDive

Thanks for the quick reply OH... good info!
I don't mind DEN (or anywhere) for a while, as long as ORD will (could/likely) be an option.
Any BIG surprises in your first year??

Originally Posted by FlynDive

Hi All: Long-time lurker, first-time poster.
Thanks for info Open.
Keeping on the "hiring" thread topic... I HAVE read this thread, but appreciate more current info re QOL for a new-hire:
1. Min days off?
2. Commutability of reserve (junior line)?
3. Probability of extension into day off?
4. Other current/trending QOL considerations (other than sub-par $$$/hr) for a newbie?
5. Probability ORD will continue to be a domicile?
I live in Midwest and ORD would be first choice for domicile. Have not submitted app yet.
Current RJ Capt/LCA. ~12,000 TT.
THANKS for any/all updated info!

Originally Posted by NWSteeringArmer

They definitely want Ord to get bigger... They keep announcing new routes... The problem is, there's zero gate space and ohare is a disaster as it is