The pilot group gave major concessions in that contract. It was during the disaster of Ron Allen. Guys were on furlough. We were desperately looking for ways to get them back. The MEC obliged. There was an "early out" retirement program included in the deal. It wasn't exactly made clear to the rank and file at the time but it turned out to be worth millions of dollars to those who took it. Problem was, it was not open to all, only the first 500 in seniority order who volunteered to "take one for the team".
Guess who volunteered?
Let's just say that immediately after that contract was ratified we needed to elect an entirely new MEC administration, negotiating committee, R&I committee, etc. etc.

Read the Ryan Report. It chronicles DALPA's darkest hour.