To be fair....we were one of the only airlines that didn't use some sort of hot/airport reserve up until now.
As to your question about how long it will be around, it's in the contract so I'd venture to say it's here to stay until it's negotiated out. I say this as someone who is on reserve (and will be for a while). Nobody is thrilled about it but it's hard to be upset about such a small thing with so many guys and girls out on the street these days.