Understanding the August Vacancy and Displacement Process

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Understanding the August Vacancy and Displacement Process

New CBA Section 12 | Standing Base Bid Guidance

Fellow Pilots,

The August Vacancy and Displacement Bid is being conducted under the new provisions of Section 12 of the CBA. Because this process combines vacancies, primary displacements, possible downline (secondary) displacements, and voluntary displacement elections, it is important that every pilot understand how the process works and ensure their Standing Base Bid accurately reflects their complete preferences.

Most Important Action for All Pilots

Every pilot should review and update their Standing Base Bid before the bid closes on Sunday, August 23.

This is important even if you are not currently based in BLI, SAV, or PGD A320. A displaced pilot may be able to exercise seniority into another domicile and position, which could displace a more junior pilot and create additional downline (secondary) displacements.

There will not be a separate or second bid for pilots affected by a downline displacement. The system will use the Standing Base Bid already on file.

Do not assume this process cannot reach you simply because your current domicile is not closing or because you are not at the very bottom of your position within your domicile.

Primary Displacements

The 54 pilots presently identified for primary displacement are those whose most recent or current award remains:

  • BLI A320
  • SAV A320
  • PGD A320, unless the pilot participated in and received an award through the closed PGD A320-to-B737 Vacancy Bid

These 54 pilots will be permitted to exercise their seniority against more junior pilots to obtain a position and domicile their seniority can hold, consistent with Section 12.L.

Downline (Secondary) Displacements

A downline displacement can occur when a primarily displaced pilot exercises seniority into a position and domicile occupied by a more junior pilot. This process may continue through multiple generations of displaced pilots.

For example, if a displaced BLI A320 Captain can hold DSM A320 Captain based on seniority, the most junior DSM A320 Captain could be displaced.

A displaced pilot may exercise seniority systemwide, including changes in domicile, fleet, and seat.

Vacancies Are Awarded Before Displacements

The system will first process voluntary vacancy awards in seniority order before processing displacements.

If you bid for and receive a voluntary vacancy, that becomes your award. Any voluntary displacement election from your original position and domicile will become null and void.

A pilot awarded a voluntary vacancy is not eligible for Company-paid moving expenses.

Voluntary Displacement Under Section 12.L.3.a

The Standing Base Bid includes an election allowing a pilot to volunteer for displacement in lieu of a more junior pilot in the same position and domicile.

IMPORTANT: To volunteer under Section 12.L.3.a, you must mark the Voluntary Displacement election box on your Standing Base Bid during the bid window. Ranking preferences alone does not make this election.

This election is only considered if:

  • A downline displacement is about to occur in the pilot’s current position and domicile;
  • The Company cannot otherwise absorb the displaced pilot under Section 12.L.4.a; and
  • The volunteering pilot is the most senior eligible volunteer in that position and domicile.

How Your Ranking Changes the Result

The order in which you rank your preferences is extremely important.

If You Want to Leave Through Either a Regular Vacancy or a Voluntary Displacement

  1. PIE A320 First Officer
  2. SFB A320 First Officer
  3. Additional acceptable positions and domiciles
  4. Current position and domicile

If You Want to Leave Only Through a Section 12.L.3.a Voluntary Displacement

  1. Current position and domicile
  2. PIE A320 First Officer
  3. SFB A320 First Officer
  4. Current position and domicile as fallback

Do Not List Too Few Preferences

Pilots should list every domicile, fleet, and seat combination they would reasonably accept in their actual order of preference.

Ranking too few options does not prevent an unwanted assignment. It limits the system’s ability to award an outcome the pilot would prefer.

Remaining Timeline

Date Milestone
Friday, August 21 48-hour bid closing reminder issued
Sunday, August 23 Vacancy and Displacement Bid closes at 2359 PDT
Friday, August 28 Bid awards published
Tuesday, September 1 Training Class Assignment Bid opens
Thursday, September 3 Training Class Assignment Bid closes
Friday, September 4 Training class assignments awarded

Final Reminder

Every pilot should review the Standing Base Bid currently on file and confirm that it:

  • Lists all acceptable domicile, fleet, and seat combinations;
  • Places those choices in genuine order of preference;
  • Includes sufficient fallback options;
  • Includes the current position and domicile where appropriate; and
  • Includes the Section 12.L.3.a Voluntary Displacement election if desired.

Questions regarding individual bid construction may be directed to
Flight.Operations@allegiantair.com
or your Union representatives.

Fraternally,
APA Teamsters Local 2118