The situation sure is ridiculous. I have not experienced a flight cancellation due to crew shortage yet. However, the last three flights I have done have been down to the wire as far as finding crew is concerned, including last minute changes going on in CBC. Has anyone personally experienced a cancellation?
I know at least five guys personally who are on reduced flying due to hour limitations and I am not far off myself. With this kind of crisis management going on, it is only a matter of time before the whole thing flicks in. I know of one friend with chronic fatigue and another sick due to related issues.
It is past a joke getting called at all times of the day and night by scheduling asking for help. Even getting an off base request approved for off days doesn't seem to deter the incessant phone calls. I used to screen the calls. Now I answer and make it clear that I am not willing to help. The deals being offered by scheduling are becoming more and more extravagant, which is of course also not sustainable, but until we say no, nothing is going to change.
I do not mind helping out a company in an hour of need, as crisis can affect us all, but when the "hour of need" stretches into days and I am so obviously being exploited, it is hard to keep from getting seriously pi$$ed off.
Anyway, I await a reactionary response to the crew shortage from management which is bound to further demoralise staff.