Q: Are there any changes to Open Time/Crew Access, such as Back to Book/day-for-day trading?
We improved the calculation for Threshold Sequence Number (TSN), which increases the TSN at each base by at least 2. This will allow additional drops to Open Time for every day in the month, for every domicile, as well as ensure there are additional trips available for trading throughout the month.
Achieving day-for-day trading was one of the top priorities when we began negotiating. It was indicated loud and clear in the survey and reinforced by the MEC. While we discussed and proposed many improvements to Open Time, we did not achieve day-for-day trading – for a few reasons:
- The Company would not entertain day-for-day trading without additional rules – such as minimum flying per month, etc. Provisions that would drastically alter our work life.
- Realistically, we have no confidence that the Company (or Jeppesen) is able to implement new trading rules in Crew Access during the term of this agreement – because we will be back at the table soon, either with the JCBA or the short duration and early opener.
- Based on current experience regarding the Company, Crew Access, and Jeppesen, we expect an overhaul of the system will take several years.
- We felt it would be disingenuous to present the TA with day-for-day trading (if we had been able to achieve it) knowing that Flight Attendants would not actually see the change during the life of this agreement.
- During the merger with HA, which we believe is very likely, the Company will need to negotiate the integration of both Open Time systems.
- HA operates a FLICA in place of Crew Access, which may provide additional opportunities for changes during JCBA negotiations.
At the end of the day, we recognize this was a high priority for many Flight Attendants. We know you may be disappointed, and we understand – we too are disappointed. However, the Company was not interested and we weren’t confident in their ability to deliver. We didn’t want to present something to membership for ratification knowing it would very likely not be realized.