(29 Mar 2017, 6:13 pm)James101 wrote BIB: I think the system probably is 'cast-iron'. My comment was in response to northern156's suggestion drivers could have the bank holiday weekend off because they fancied it.
I see your argument for the 4 week notice for an issued roster, but it's only reasonable to expect GNE to impose the same rules on driver's holiday or day off requests. In effect, if a driver doesn't request to be off on a particular day with 4 weeks notice, they can't expect to get it.
The loadings on some key routes have been so high on Good Friday in the past have been so high I'd suggest GNE could even staff then with agency drivers and still turn a profit.
My understanding is that a lot of bus companies work their driver leave a lot differently to how you or I may experience it. Their leave is usually allocated in set blocks throughout the year, and it is then up to drivers to arrange swaps with their colleagues. They don't have the luxury that you or I may have, where we may be able to request ad-hoc leave in the same week or whatever.