In regard to the J/S issue:
It appears that this is being handled in a very fair and open communications way. If you want to call it a Jumpseat war, then do as you may! AMR and WN are very firm in the terms and application of their "RECIPROCAL" Jumpseat Agreements.
After reading the issues, it does not appear, under current practice, that the application is RECIPROCAL OR FAIR! Furthermore, it does not appear that other reasonable attempts have reconciled the concerns of the affected parties. Maybe, thus far, it has not been in the best interest of the UAL MEC to pursue equity in the matter, since UAL pilots have enjoyed an advantage under the current practice. Obviously,
with the number of airlines petitioning the UAL MEC, there is disparate and unfair treatment.
One could speculate, that this solicitation or petitioning of the UAL MEC will resolve this issue. If I were a commuting UAL pilot, I would be voicing my concerns--STRONGLY to my MEC. This is not a Jumpseat War! It is a request to resolve an issue in a timely manner or face the consequences. Maybe, the UAL MEC, will now HELP resolve the issue so that a Fair and Reciprocal agreement exists for all parties.
Stay tuned! I guess Skywest could call it a "Friendly Petition."