2.07.20 – DFW & LAX: Special Voluntary Open Line Option for March
Friday, February 7, 2020
DFW & LAX:
Special Voluntary Open Line Option for March
With the recent and ongoing cancellations of flights to Mainland China and Hong Kong, the company has agreed to offer an option that will help alleviate the possibility of lower line averages due to the lack of flying in DFW and LAX.
This option will also increase your flexibility and allow you to fly as much as you want or to take additional time off.
This is a special, one-time option (for the March bid month) for you to be awarded a “zero hour line” – which then lets you pick up time (using TTS/UBL and/or ETB) as you’d like.
Letter of Agreement
Click here to read the full terms of this agreement.
Special Voluntary Open Line Option Processing
I was awarded a VLOA for March, will I be able to take this option instead?
Yes, if you were awarded a VLOA for March you will be able to convert your award to a Special Voluntary Open Line Option, by submitting a ballot.
How many Voluntary Open Line Options will be offered?
Based on the amount of VLOAs awarded, the company may offer this special option to Lineholders after PBS opens.
In the LRD I was projected to be reserve for March; will I be eligible for the Special Voluntary Open Line Option?
You are eligible for the Special Voluntary Open Line Option if the status in your PBS dashboard on the 12th shows Lineholder.
How do I request the Special Voluntary Open Line Option?
The ballot for this option will be open from February 8 at 1200 DFW through 0800 DFW time on February 12. Awards will be posted by 1700 DFW time on February 12.
If I ballot for the Special Voluntary Open Line Option, will I be able to rescind?
Once are awarded a VLOA or Special Voluntary Open Line Option, you will not able to rescind.
Bidding & Trading
You are not required to bid since the Special Voluntary Open Line Option awards will be known on the 12th, however, it is always best practice to have a standing bid in PBS.Will I receive a PBS award if I am awarded the Special Voluntary Open Line Option?
No, you will not be awarded any trips in PBS.If I am awarded the Special Voluntary Open Line Option, will I be required to fly at least 40 hours?
No, there is no minimum or maximum number of hours you are required to fly with this option. However, the 40-hour scheduling limitation will still apply to all trading applications (TTS/UBL & ETB).
If you pick up a sequence while you are under 40 hours, you will not be able to drop any sequences.
If you pick up more than 40 hours, you will not be able to drop below 40 hours.
How will I be able to pick up flying while on the Special Voluntary Open Line Option?
You will have the ability to use TTS/UBL to pick up flying and your Max will remain at 115 hours, in addition to ETB.
However, the 40-hour scheduling limitation will still apply to both trading applications.
What will happen to the vacation I have scheduled in March?
Any vacation you have in March will remain on your line and you will be paid out for those days.
I have a carryover trip into March, will I be required to fly sequence?
You will be required to complete your carryover trip.
Pay & Benefits
You will only be paid for what you pick up and fly, any vacation hours, or carryover sequences into March.Additionally, you will not receive any pay guarantee if awarded this option.By taking the Special Voluntary Open Line Option, how will my benefits be affected?
You will be in an active status and will have access to your travel privileges, medical benefits, and you will continue to accrue vacation and sick.
Once awarded this Special Voluntary Open Line Option, am I required to do any flying in order to be considered active?
No. You are not required to do any flying to be considered active.
Will I receive my 37.5-hour advance on March 31 if I am awarded the Special Voluntary Open Line Option?
You will not receive an advance on March 31 if you do not have at least 37.5 paid hours by March 15th.
Training
I have training scheduled in March, am I required to attend?
You are still able to attend training if you are awarded the Special Voluntary Open Line Option. If you are in your CQ Grace month, you are required to attend.
In Unity
Erik Harris
APFA National Contract Chair
[email protected]
APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-F: 7:00AM - 7:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
After-Hours Live Chat
M-F: 3:00PM - 11:00 PM (CT)
Sat-Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Currently, no scheduled events...
APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-F: 7:00AM - 7:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
After-Hours Live Chat
M-F: 3:00PM - 11:00 PM (CT)
Sat-Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Currently, no scheduled events...
APFA Headquarters
1004 West Euless Boulevard
Euless, Texas 76040
M-F: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
Contract & Scheduling Desk
M-F: 7:00AM - 7:00PM (CT)
Phone: (817) 540-0108
After-Hours Live Chat
M-F: 3:00PM - 11:00 PM (CT)
Sat-Sun: 9:00AM - 5:00PM (CT)
Currently, no scheduled events...