Cal Mec Update
 

Fellow Pilots,
Last night, the CAL MEC convened in special session via conference call to take action regarding the latest PBS failures. In addition to discussing a resolution for pilots affected by November’s bid malfunction, forward looking solutions were discussed at length. Several versions of resolutions were debated, and much of the debate centered on the level of detail and tone the resolution should contain. Ultimately, we will draw upon the foundation of the extensive CRM training that all pilots receive: to focus on “what is right,” not “who is right.” There is unanimous consent among the MEC that “what is right” is that the current PBS bidding system is not sustainable and that we must return to our previous method of bidding. Rather than make the types of errors that are inherent to work performed on the back side of the clock, we decided to recess until 2030 CT today to finalize our resolution.

Throughout the day today, the MEC, MEC officers and NC will work jointly to provide language that the MEC can finalize tonight. At the conclusion of our meeting, we will update you on the final resolution and our unified goals for moving forward.
The Continental pilots’ voice has been heard loud and clear. A bidding system that does not honor our contract and is unnecessarily complex will never be considered acceptable; a bidding system that produces unreliable, unpredictable and often times onerous results simply is not one that we will allow to affect our quality of life.

Please continue to stay informed. We anticipate providing you with additional updates as the situation develops.

What was the system prior to PBS?

We had a pilot/pilots who put together/built the lines, submitted them to the company, and then the company put out bid packages. You could see the trips available, how many lines were available, the flying time for that particular line (including deadhead), the number of days off and what they were. It gave you an idea of what you could hold. It also gave us quite a few opentime trips as compared to what we have now when trip trading starts (ie.........usually EWR CA's have 2 or three trips for the entire month when trading starts, versus 80-90 before). Usually we had the bid results within a few hours after the bid closed, versus 5 days that the PBS requires to run its stuff. The old system respected seniority and gave a much better picture of what you were likely to hold vs PBS which seems to care less who gets what. PBS really is a piece of garbage. The sooner we get rid of it the better. I wouldn't wish it on my worst pilot enemies.....:p

Post number two where EWB and I see eye to eye.:D

Most of my CAL Brethren will want to tar and feather me for saying this but PBS is not bad, we happened to negotiate a weak position reference PBS.

PBS is a computer program that allows pilots to make/build specific lines of flying that accommodate the individual pilot and the company easier than hard lines can. At the commencement of each bidding period, a pilot specifically states, from thousands of possibilities, the exact schedule said pilot wants. In theory, the most senior pilot will acquire the exact schedule he wants every month and the subsequent pilot will have as close to what he wants without impacting the more senior pilot's bid........herego...scheduling heaven. The unmentioned problem with PBS at CAL is that the company also bids every month for what it wants from the pilot group. Our pilot group did not negotiate for any input into what the company's monthly bid could encompass, or as CAL PBS states "Overall System Constraints", therefore leaving us with an opaque system in which a pilot's bid can be denied due to "Overall System Constrains" that the pilot group is unaware of and that trump the most senior pilot's bid request. In summary, since the CAL pilot group, self included, has no input into the "overall system constraints" and said "constraints" trump bidding seniority requests, a CAL pilot's schedule will reflect whatever constraint's the company inputs into the PBS system every month. Hence, giving the company a blank check to do whatever it wants to the schedule and the pilot group every month.
On another note, the guys who sold this system to the CAL pilot group were generously rewarded by the company in the same manner that the latest contract negotiating committee were rewarded for selling our POS contract to the pilot group were. Fellas, it's time for a shake-up!

Glad to hear it. Both 75 and EWB make great points. We just need tools, such as a CAL ALPA forum to get the good guys on the same page.

In the event we are stuck with this stupid system we really need to push for major major improvements to it. First and foremost is a bidding wizard to construct your bid. Delta's PBS system has one and my pop can generally get what he wants or at worst, pretty close to it.

October 25, 2007

CAL MEC Special Notice on PBS

Fellow Pilots,

Tonight, the CAL MEC continued the special session that was started via conference call yesterday to take action regarding the latest PBS failures. You, the pilots of Continental, have been very clear in your level of discontent with the PBS system and the adverse effects that the system has on your quality of life. We have heard your concerns and have passed in tonight’s meeting, by unanimous vote, a resolution that calls for the elimination of PBS and the return to preconstructed lines. This decision was made after careful evaluation of the alternatives and assessment of the best direction to proceed for the maximum benefit to the pilot group.
In addition, your union is adamant about our right to full participation and involvement in the methodology and timeline followed to return to preconstructed lines. We expect to meet with Continental CEO Larry Kellner early next week to begin this process.
The MEC also unanimously moved that any pilot harmed by the failure of the November bid will be fully protected against losses that resulted from this failure. To date, we have not heard adequate remedy from the Company. Your union will utilize the full extent of its resources to protect the pilots of Continental.
Please stay informed. We will provide further updates as new information becomes available.

CAL MEC

duplicate post

I agree. I think eventually PBS will be everywhere. I didn't mind it, but I didn't ask for the world and I got my first choice every time. The BS for me was if you didn't like your schedule for the month you were hosed. Couldn't trade anything anymore. I am in favor for PBS, but not until there is some SEROIUS language to prevent this POS system from screwing us. It was supposed to be better for everyone and instead the pilots got hosed. Oh and the training on the system SUCKED!!!! I'm glad to be going back to pre-constructed lines. This is a HUGE step in the right direction for the MEC. Maybe the company realized that they had better get rid of the system now because nobody was going to vote for the new contract with PBS in the TA.