Oh my God are you serious? When I read this I got that "scared" feeling in the pit of my stomach. Based on some of the information I've recieved in the past 24 hours I am more afraid than ever for this merger. If we get anything less than our (XJT) trip trade system its going to be one of the biggest consessions our pilot group has ever taken. Let me run down for you how I've been bidding the past 5 years at Express. I drop every single one of my trips then build my own line based on open time (which is usually stacked with premium trips). If I lose this ability I'll honestly be about ready to quit. You're saying to even drop one trip you have to go through the chief EVERY TIME? Dear Lord we are seriously screwed.

 

You know to your face I would tell you yeh, that's a good idea but being realistic buddy ain't gona happen because in my survey I said hell no...we all did it I know it sucks but that's where you are and im not gona sacrifice my QOL because you happened to get hired after me, guess your gona want to hold a line at my expense in December! Forget that idea dude...two years from now reserve will be a distant memory and now this policy will directly effect you and now it will be you calling BS!

What needs to be looked at r the relief lines and allowing a reserve a shot at one...no that you might get, and you would get more support from us senior guys. But to say I want a seniors pilots line or any line that doesn't fly with us and I think I speak for most who's lives would be effected ...sorry dude

 

That's almost our exact contract at ExpressJet.....

 

I hear what you are saying but you have to remember that reserve during the last contract and the one before that etc, were hell compared to reserve now. Even though it sucks, people have experienced much worse. The only difference is that it wasn't for long as pilots are seeing reserve now. Reserve rules and language is not designed to be put up with for years and years.

I'm sure that most would say that if you keep your mouth shut, learn as much as you can and just be a good all around person, after 3 or 4 years you have paid your dues and should hold a line. That may not be the case with this new "super regional" concept. And I think that reserve as a CA is a choice so you can really feel bad for someone that bid to the left seat and is stuck on reserve. Considering that the financial gain/QOL isn't much at all compared to a senior FO holding an awesome line. No one truley forces you to upgrade. Let them give you and incentive to do so.

So I can see it both ways. Reserve was ten times worse in the past but we still need to increase the QOL/pay for reserve pilots given the new circumstances. There should be language on that defines how long a pilot (particularly FO) should be forced to be on reserve. After that, some kind of differential kicks in due to the fact that they have to take one for the team.

 

What is some of the info you have received?

 

Are you guys allowed straight drops at XJT? At ASA you can drop a trip by swapping with another trip in opentime or swapping with another line pilot's trip. All of over premium pay trips have been for straight pick ups also.

 

Oh Siht, now you really have me worried!! 8 hours!!! Ours is 4 hours of ready reserve, 4 hours of pay. Simple as that. We better not settle for 1 single thing less than the best provisions of both contracts! I really hope guys vote and vote intelligently. You can always work more to make more money and get some pay back, you won't get this kind of stuff back once you lose it!

 

We can straight drop as many trips as we want initially (some months they won't let us take our line below 60 hours depending on staffing). So if I have a 90 hour line I can trade three 4-days for one 3-day if it doesn't take my line below 60 hours if the floor is set for that month. If no floor is set I can trade my entire month for one day trip if I wish, and then rebuild from there.

 

yeah, if you don't get used in those 8 hours it is SO LONG...

 

That's the thing. It's no doubt that reserve sucks but we put up with it because it seems as if there is an end in sight. But what happens when you have another hiccup in the economy and no attrition combined with a HUGE pilot group, guys are stuck on reserve for 3-4 years. Yes that's just about the case now. Guys that have been at ASA for 3+ years are still on reserve with no choice other than to quit.

I'm very thankful to not be on reserve but those guys play an integral role in the staffing requirements. They are there for you when you are too fatigued or sick to work. Or maybe you just have something better to do than work like most of us. Yup, they just woke that guy up to fill in for you. Sure it's his job and we all did it. But the system is not designed for someone to have to do that crap for years an years.

Most importantly we need to do fight for things that benefit the pilot group as a whole. Yes that may mean things that are not in the best interest of you in you r current position. Gotta pay it forward sometimes.

Secondly we have to stop playing this cave game, just giving into the sob stories the company gives us that they cannot afford it. There are so many things they could change and work on to cut costs but it's so much easier to ask for concessions from this weak pilot group. That trend needs to stop.