On December 1st, the company implemented updates to the process of awarding Personal Drops, PTO, & DATV, the intent of which is to allow for additional awarding of discretionary time off. We recognize how disruptive it can be when long-standing processes shift without clear, advanced communication from the company.
Based on our advocacy, the company issued a Scheduling Bulletin today clarifying the updates that were made to the process.
As a matter of background, during previous negotiations sessions, it became clear that the awarding of PD, PTO, and DATV were not being processed as intended, based on the language that came from the pre-merger Continental Contract. Although this adjustment is a change, it’s important to understand that the application of the revised process and the interpretation of the existing language are now being followed as intended. There were no additional agreements, deals, or changes to the Contract. We will continue to monitor the process and provide clarification as needed.
Our priority remains ensuring that every Flight Attendant understands the update to the process and that your rights under the Contract are upheld, including protections under Sections 7.M, 7. AA., and 12.J. of the JCBA. These updates are intended by the company to enhance schedule flexibility while maintaining your Contractual rights.
To Help You Better Understand
Personal Drops are considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Historically, when the company was unable to award a personal drop, PTO, or DATV due to operational requirements, they would stop processing requests. Going forward, when operational requirements prevent an award, crew scheduling will bypass that request and continue on to subsequent awards.
Nothing has changed with PTO requests awarded in the 15 and 5 day runs will still be awarded in seniority order. DATV requests awarded in the prior bid month will still be awarded, to the extent possible, in seniority order. Unused PTO slots may remain available until 0001 of the requested day and will take priority over PD requests. In the current month, PD requests and DATV requests will be considered together, in first-come, first-served order.
