Originally Posted by Check Essential

I wouldn't worry too much about the survey return numbers.
Historically, the Delta pilot group has a very significant level of "under participation". We have a huge "silent contingent". Whether it is surveys or LEC elections.

Its not that they are dumb, they definitely are not, but they just have other things they concentrate on in life. (side businesses, recreation, family, whatever) They prefer not to waste brain cells on any ALPA/Contract type issues. They actively avoid becoming too informed.

You don't necessarily want those guys filling out the surveys.

This is not to say they are somehow anti-labor or pro-management. They will be at our side if the union ever calls for a job action. But they will also not agitate independently, they don't attend meetings, and they especially won't spend any time analyzing our work rules or studying the contract comparison. They vote however the MEC recommends.
That's how our TAs always pass 60-40. If it gets past the MEC, it gets ratified.