October 15, 2019
United / United Express Reciprocal Jumpseat Boarding Priority Update #3

The new UAX/UAL jumpseat boarding priority outlined in Flt Ops Bulletin 19-194 became effective today. Please see the October 9 and October 11 MEC updates reposted below for more details and the new boarding priority charts. These new agreements are the result of multiple LEC and MEC resolutions and the culmination of years of work. We have fixed a long-ignored error to better align our jumpseat priorities with industry standards.

In a series of petulant communications that disregard the facts, pilot representatives at Republic and SkyWest (IBT and SAPA) have encouraged their pilots to start denying United pilots the jumpseat. These letters are filled with misleading and inaccurate information intended to harm pilots and operations at both UA and UAX. ALPA and UA management are tracking these denials for action.

Sadly, this misguided effort by IBT and SAPA has resulted in a small handful of United pilots being denied the jumpseat. In our profession, pilots support pilots, and we have no patience for this type of anti-pilot behavior. These new agreements limit the ability of SkyWest and Republic pilots to continue taking unfair advantage of the jumpseat system, as they have for years.

At this time, we ask that everyone take the high road. For now, if you have the opportunity, educate these misguided individuals on how to be a professional union pilot. Prematurely reacting would be counterproductive to the tremendous amount of work being done by the United MEC. Although one denied pilot is too many, the fact remains that an extremely small number of pilots are being affected by this ill-conceived campaign. Based on the messaging we have directly received from their pilots, an overwhelming majority of pilots at Republic and SkyWest do not support their leadership on this issue.

Pilots should be aware of these facts:

The jumpseat agreements are between the carriers: United management and the respective UAX carrier management. The unions, or pilot representatives in the case of SkyWest, are not signatories to the agreements.

On May 14, 2019 United management delivered the new agreements to the UAX carriers. By June 14, five of the eight carriers had signed.

The United MEC Jumpseat Committee and MEC Officers have repeatedly discussed these agreements with the UAX ALPA MEC leadership, SAPA, and IBT for nearly two years. Contrary to misinformation being circulated online, we never advocated that a jumpseater be bumped off their own airline. Instead, we have sought a fair and equitable solution for everyone that no longer disadvantages United pilots and more fairly benefits those pilots who are fully part of the United family.

Contrary to SAPA and IBT misinformation, it is NOT a violation of the FARs to have a United pilot ride in a SkyWest or Republic jumpseat.

Although Mesa has not signed an agreement with United, they are not participating in the Republic and SkyWest actions.

Jumpseat Denials

If you are denied a jumpseat at any of the UAX carriers, provide a detailed report via a jumpseat PDR with the carrier, flight number, and date. Based on the low number of reported jumpseat denials to date, the majority of SkyWest and Republic Captains are still welcoming United pilots and not following the foolish advice they have been given. Denying a United or UAX-exclusive pilot the jumpseat would be an extremely poor decision made by a misinformed and shortsighted pilot.

If you have trouble getting to work, please call your CPO or the FODM for help. As always, please remain professional and respectful. Reference the UPA section 21-P Commuter Policy if needed.

If you successfully jumpseat on SkyWest or Republic, thank the Captain for their professionalism and please PDR it with the carrier, flight number, date, and Captain's name as well.

United Pilots Remain on the High Road

All UAX pilots seeking your jumpseat should be handled in accordance with the new priorities listed below (also found in bulletin 19-194). Take this opportunity to educate them on the facts, and mentor them on the long-term detrimental impact of pitting pilot-against-pilot. By remaining professional and exercising Captain's Authority, we reinforce the value of secure and fair access to all jumpseats.

If you have any questions, please file a PDR to the Jumpseat Committee.