I have to schedule 170 people over 3 shifts 7 days a week in a complex union
environment. The rules to the calling people in, covering open slots, and job
qualifications is extremely difficult.

The focus of the problem is tha it takes about 30 minutes to replace someone
when they call in sick. I check which employees are qualified, if they are
already working, if they have at least 8 hours off before and after the
position I must fill, see if they have signed up for over time; if they are
qualified and signed up-I must call them senior to junior, If I can not fill
the opening, I must start at the junior people qualified with 8 hrs off
before and after the slot and require them in. Yesterday I had 3 call ins for
2nd shift, it took 4 hours to cover the openings.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!