I think the obvious problem with the current leave system is that is was designed for adminers by adminers. As front line aircrew we don't usually work from 08:30 to 17:00 Mon - Fri but we do spend a substantial amount of our time away. Although we get time off when detached we can't spend it in our gardens/with the wife and kids/at Mum's etc. We are, of course, on duty when down route. We work more hours per week than the average admin sec, who probably thinks that 35 hours a week sounds reasonable.
But we're stuck with the system. So what to do about it? I have 2 suggestions:
1. Apply for your leave. Don't take the word of section leaders/Flt commanders etc that you won't get it. The only feedback the system gets that we're not getting the leave we want is when it is turned down. If you don't apply then the system thinks you simply don't want your leave.
2. After the monthly plan has been published apply for leave for every weekend that you are not scheduled to fly. These are days 'not required for duty' and you are just as entitled to them as the weekday workers. When the late notice tasking comes in your authorised absence will have to be cancelled and, again, the system will have some indication that we might be getting a tad stretched.