And there's a lot of truth to that, but, there is a downside and possibly larger downside of not being able to tell if the survey results are disregarded in favor of the MEC's agenda.

I don't think that's going to happen, I really don't, but that door could be left ajar, even if only as a accusation, if there is not some sort of external mechanism to verify.

It could work out another way though too, what if 51% of the surveys are completed by a subgroup of pilots who'd throw everyone under the bus for the sake of a pay raise prior to their pending retirement. You surely want the union to act as a representative and kick that notion to the curb.

I see more downside in not doing it. Sure the company's negotiators can use it to their advantage but at the same time if the priorities are Scope, Pay, Work Rules they can go after the hotels and pick at work rules but in the end we still have to ratify the thing.