Rumor: Is the United MEC about to throw pilot seniority system out window for jumpseats?
Facts: The short answer is no. This issue is racing through the ranks for many reasons not worth mentioning because they are a distraction. We presently have no definitive resolution on this issue between the CAL and the UAL MECs. What we have is a different perspective on how this issue is handled, based on the respective worlds we lived in pre-merger.
sCAL has used their seniority list for years for a variety of reasons, which could include multiple lists already mixing up hire dates from past mergers.
sUAL has grown used to seeing our Pilot Date of Hire on the Jumpseat ticket stock for a number of reasons.
This item came up to the MEC because the company asked us how we were going to handle the Jumpseat so they could program the system. The good news is they asked before implementing anything. But the question highlighted that we have a possible conflict on how we perceive this issue. It was not an agenda item nor was there any motions made on the topic but was brought up as a matter for future consideration. It was agreed among the UAL MEC that this is an issue that should be dealt with after a joint MEC is in place so that there would be discussion, debate, and consensual resolution from all stakeholders.
As such, the UAL MEC has indicated to the company to keep the status quo until a resolution was found. Whatever the process was for pilots before the ISL will remain the process until the new MEC comes to a resolution. Jumpseat priority should remain just as it was before the ISL award, with a different boarding priority for each other’s metal.
Do not allow this to become a conflict between the pilot groups. We have lived with this policy for the last 3 years and waiting another couple months to come to a unified position is warranted. This also give us time to vet this out properly, not jump to conclusions, or make decisions on semantics. We understand that once the MEC is in a room and discusses the issues and hears each other’s perspective and views, we will come to the correct decision for all pilots.