Everyone arguing that forced 350 hr UAL-time captains are unsafe (450 hrs if we count OE) need to remember that there are still higher regulatory minimums which apply to operating as a captain in 121 operations.

The regionals have been having forced upgrades fly United passengers (and DHing UAL crewmembers) for some time now—with much less support. Regional captains are often a one man band when it comes to dispatch and mx and pax issues—UAL captains have a much more robust and proactive support network than the average regional CA. I didn’t see this type of uproar about safety when SkyWest forced their FOs to upgrade.

It’s a huge kick to the nether regions for QOL for the unlucky forced upgrades, which is a great reason to dislike the proposed forced upgrade language. It’s also somewhat of a “poop flows downhill” move to force a new hire to upgrade into crap QOL but not a 30yr WB FO (into much better QOL)… those are more plausible reasons to not like contractual forced upgrade language.

The safety argument is valid and really needs to be had with the FAA if the regulatory 121 upgrade minimums are not sufficient, or if the FAA approved AQP upgrade program does not weed out current SICs who could not be competent PICs. Have the QOL argument with the companies.

All that said—I would not want to be forced to upgrade in any circumstance. I bid for it when I felt ready.