Long story short, whether they bid it or not, we will always have reserves which compromise 15-20% of our pilot group. Sometimes they are on reserve by choice and sometimes not. Commutes vary from 10 minutes to 2500+ miles. Some aren't afforded the choice to commute and as you well know, bids are not always available.

To say we don't need reserve improvements due to a narrow circumstance is shortsighted at best. We are a union right?

 

I think you misunderstood what I was trying to say. OFC we need reserve improvements. I was just saying that I don't think our goal should be making reserve better specifically for commuters. Make changes that benefit the group, not a subset of the group. Commuting is a choice, reserve isn't always. I'd personally think things like pure SC lines that pay more would work. Locals could pick them up allowing commuters to not have to fly in just to sit SC and not get used. Things that are win-win. I personally don't agree with spending negotiating capital on specifically making commuting to reserve easier.

 

I agree, but define commuting. The guy who lives 500 miles away or the guy who has a 5 hr drive. It gets quite murky. Yes, we should improve the system for the betterment for all.

 

Since I was hired in 95, United has opened and closed ANC, closed MIA, closed HNL, closed SEA, and shrunk LAX and DEN by half. Many of us chose those bases, and established families there. In the last 15 years United has also parked 250+ airplanes, furloughed huge numbers of pilots twice and merged with another company. Would I like to not commute? Absolutely. I live I a base that hasn't had a Cap bid in over 3.5 years. I will do my best to avoid commuting and most certainly commuting to reserve, but looking at the last 15 years can make no guarantees. None of us can. Therefore, I think making reserve improvements is important.

Btw, your sc line idea isn't a bad one. Unfortunately, short of added leverage there will not be any changes. The company likes what they have. That alone should be enough to convince most that it isn't pilot friendly in many ways. For some, it is probably a good deal, but for others (base, seat, staffing) it clearly stinks.

 

Not trying to debate the need to revise the reserve system but many of the complaints are the result of the company's implementation and interpretation of the contract. What may be a good idea is to start with 3 or 4 items to improves reserves for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter.

The "Prudent Pilot Program" is a good example of the commuter/non-commuter not disadvantaging one or the other of the groups and it turned out that those living locally could move farther from the base( longer drive) with confidence they had protection even though it was fashioned for the airplane commuter.

Better yet - what's ONE thing not currently covered by the contract or restricted by regulations that would make reserve better for the commuter that doesn't disadvantage the non-commuter group?

 

Reserve bypass, splitting reserve trips passing thru a domicile.

 

I'd like to see a limit on non-voluntary SCs. Say 4 max. Anything over that has to be picked up. I think that would help commuters and locals.

 

Reserve bypass - is that by seniority or FIFO?

Splitting trips - is that for the the crew or company to decide. Could lead to more deadheading and/or forcing flying into a base. Sled may not like that.

 

The SC/FSB assignment process an be handled by an LOA. While the new MEC gets up to speed for Section 6 over the next two years they can get this and the LTD issue cleaned up.

Great way to show it isn't the same old same old.

 

I'd say by definition it's within 200 miles of base. The contract move section is within 200 miles. Less than a 4 hr drive so too far for sitting SC. I'd like to see SC a 4 hour callout especially since it's an agreed to distance as well.

Someone mentioned a limit on involuntary SC. Sounds great as well, and maybe change it so voluntary SC has no limit on number.

All this can be done with LOAs. The MEC has the right man in the job, get resolutions out to start the process moving.