Original Message

...as relief pilots could be getting hotel rooms and charging mileage and time for short commutes...

So, now, they have to drive up to 50 miles that can take 90 minutes, EACH WAY, to cover assigned shifts in their region.   Imagine doing that for 3, 4, or 5 shifts in-a-row covering a vacation!

Travel within 50 miles (100 miles round trip) of that primary location start point shall be considered local in nature, will not require an overnight stay and the Regional Relief Pilot shall not be eligible for compensation, per diem or mileage reimbursement.

So, since you were discussing duty-time ....  that 90 minute/50 mile one-way commute is considered rest since it is "Local In Nature"!

Union stepped on their tail here!