I don't know why so many people are willing to sell the Negotiating Committee short. I guess I'm naive and I believe they feel (especially with two F/O reps) similar to what we do. Remember (maybe this hasn't been emphasized enough) the company agreed to early openers because they want something (contract stability for a merger?) and that gives us leverage. More than once it has been stated that EITHER side can walk away and revert back to Normal Section 6. I believe that is what the NC will do rather than actually bring back a poor TA. While I can't put a number on (how much better is scope, how much are benefits improved, etc.) BUT a new contract signed and in force on Jan 1, 2013 has a good amount of value over "Something Better" 18-24 months down the road. If we can make good inroads on a 4 year contract we will almost be back in Section 6 rather than going for it all and ending up like APA and AA right now.