What is rotational seniority in PBS and how does it work?

What is rotational seniority in PBS and how does it work?

To ensure equalization and to present equal bidding priority to all pilots irrespective of their administrative seniority, the PBS works on the principle of rotational seniority. For the purpose of awarding bids, the system automatically rotates the seniority of all pilots periodically based on a pre-defined algorithm. A brief explanation is provided below: •    The PBS works on the principle of rotational seniority. •    The flight deck crew is divided into groups. There are 5 groups (A, B, C, D, and E), and the pilots are divided into these 5 groups according to their existing administrative seniority. •    Crew member ‘AAA’ is part of group A because he is number 1 in the administrative seniority and crew member ‘BBB’ is part of group B because of administrative seniority number 2, crew ‘CCC’ is part of group C as he is number 3 in administrative seniority, and so on.  •    For the first month, Group A will be the senior most followed by Group B, C, D, and E. The next month Group B will become the senior most followed by Group C, D, E, and A. Hence every group and its respective pilots will at some point be the highest in the bidding seniority. Similarly, they will also be the lowest.  •    Further, the seniority of pilots within each group is also rotated periodically. •    This method is not meant to discourage a pilot from bidding in any given month, as your requests even in a month of lower rotational seniority could be assigned if no other pilot has made the same requests.  Note: At no point in time can a pilot be informed of his/her seniority group for a particular month or roster. The above explanation is for information purpose only as rotational seniority is not the only deciding factor. (Specific bids for a trip are dependent on several other factors such as, rotational seniority, other pilots requesting for the same trip, etc.)