This week we would like to discuss two provisions in our contract and highlight the difference between them. A personal day off (unpaid) (PDU) versus special day off (SDO). On the surface, they sound quite similar. A PDU is intended for last-minute, unplanned life events that require a pilot to take an unpaid day off. An example might be a short-notice sick child without daycare, or perhaps a funeral which is not covered by our bereavement leave provisions.
9-6. PERSONAL DAY(S) OFF (UNPAID) (PDU)
9-6.01. Personal Days are days for a life event which is not covered in SECTION 28 - LEAVE OF ABSENCE or SECTION 26 - VACATION, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS, SDO.
9-6.02. A Pilot shall contact the Chief Pilot, Crew Management or their designate to have a Personal Day approved. If the Pilot has a Pairing that carries over after the Personal Day off, then Crew Scheduling will endeavor to have that Pilot re-join their original Pairing. If it is not feasible for the Pilot to join their Pairing, the Pilot shall be returned to duty in accordance with 9-3 above.
An SDO is intended to ensure a pilot has the opportunity to attend a monumental life event. These are intended for non-annually occurring special events such as your child’s wedding or graduation. You can only request SDO(s) (up to four consecutive unpaid days) once per calendar year and the request must be made to the chief pilot, Crew Management at least 60 days ahead of time. These days form part of your monthly days off (much like GDOs attached to your vacation blocks), and are not “extra” days free from duty.
26.7. SPECIAL DAY(s) OFF (SDO)
26-7.01. It is recognized that events occur in a Pilot’s life where their attendance is crucial. In order to address such a requirement, a Pilot may request (a) SDO(s). Such requests are limited to once per calendar year to a maximum of four (4) consecutive unpaid days and shall be made to the Chief Pilot, Crew Management, or designate, at least sixty (60) days in advance of the date of the event. Such requests will not be unreasonably denied.
This section was further amplified in MOS2 with the following meaning:
SPECIAL DAYS OFF (26-7): The Parties hereby agree that the meaning and intent of this provision is to provide for special consideration to attend monumental, non-annually reoccurring events in a Pilot’s life