Greetings,

 We have realized that the samples given in the previous E-News may have become distorted depending on what your computer system is. So we have taken those samples and placed them in Adobe PDF files that are attached to this E-News so the format will remain consistent (You can download Adobe Reader for free at www.adobe.com) :

New Bid Package Format

Eric Brahm

MEC Scheduling Chair

When the December Bids come out you will notice that they will look slightly different than what we've had in the past.  Please don't panic.  The changes are minor and will probably be seen as improvements once you become accustomed to them.

The reason for the changes is that the Planning Department will be using a new computer program from now on which generates lines more automatically. This program doesn't create the actual sequences, but is used to place them into the bid lines during the line construction phase. The program should eventually help allow the Planners to make the lines more quickly thus giving them some additional time.  Hopefully it will also translate into superior line.

What you'll notice different:

1       The Summary will appear on the left side instead of the right side in the past.

2             There will be an additional field placed under each line, after each SEQ immediately following the beginning and end times. This third number will indicate the total block time for the sequence.

3             There will be a Slash between Back to Back Sequences.

4              There will be a calendar next to each Sequence in the back section which indicates graphically when the Sequence operates during the month.

5        In the Summary on the left, the C/O will indicate the Carry Over hours brought into the new month.

Attached is an example of what the lines will look like with the summary on the left. Also attached are examples of what the pairings will look like with the Calendar.

These changes might take a little getting used to, but I think you'll find the Calendar extremely helpful and having the block time after each sequence should be a benefit as well.  If you have comments or concerns you can bring them to your Local Union Representatives.