I'm not trying to offend anyone, but I despise hearing leave replacements and union stewards say, "<em>there's no bumping on the matrix</em>!" I'm not sure why we think the matrix is set in stone, no matter what. Yes, there are definitely rules to follow with the matrix -- both in creating it and utilizing it -- however, if rules are broken to fill in the matrix in the first place ... eff that matrix, and back it up to the point it was effed.For example, the senior RCA is out of the office for whatever reason when the matrix is updated, let's theorize because of a new vacancy. The senior RCA isn't notified about the vacancy on the matrix (Art. 30.2.E.1), but the matrix is changed anyway. When the senior RCA gets back, points this out, and wants the matrix reverted back to the point the "mistake" was made, they're told, "<em>there's no bumping on the matrix!</em>"The word "bumping" isn't in the National Agreement. I believe it was first used in the Combined Analysis and later in matrix guidelines documents (with no <span>discernible</span> authors or dates of release). The term "bumping" isn't even truly defined. The <span style="text-decoration: underline">only</span> definition of bumping is a single example -- when an 6/0 AUX carrier opts to leave the AUX to take a matrix vacancy. Other examples should've been provided. Otherwise, an extremely powerful blockade is left wide open to interpretation.I don't hear this mentioned very often, but not even your primary assignment on the matrix is completely safe. Check pages 116-119 of the <a href="https://www.knowledgebase.ruralinfo.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Combined-Analysis-1995-2010.pdf" target="true">Combined Analysis 1995-2010</a> to see a clear example of some RCA's worst nightmare, and also the following:<blockquote>There are occasions when it may be necessary to change the primary assignment of a substitute, RCA, or RCR because of the relief day of the route. Management may reassign substitutes, RCAs, or RCRs to another primary assignment with a different relief day to provide an additional assignment for a PTF. When it is necessary to change the primary assignments, those substitutes, RCAs and RCRs assigned to routes with the relief day needed, in the order of the longest period of continuous service in the office, without regard to classification, will have the option of changing assignments. Management will then reassign by juniority if the number of assignments needed has not been reached.</blockquote>So, if a leave replacement's primary route isn't sacrosanct, why are second and third calls etched in stone? Certainly there are times when "bumping" should be allowed? <em>Especially</em> when contract provisions were previously broken to arrive at the current matrix.