This statement is only partially correct and is therefore misleading.

A new hire on probation, provided he has paid the initiation fee and is current on dues, is a member of the union. True, a probationary pilot can be fired without cause and does not have access to the System Board.

This does not apply to a return to work agreement following a strike. Any back to work agreement containing a provision for reinstatement of hostages, probationary or not, would be outside the scope of the contract as it applies to probation.

I do not see PG & co failing to insist on the reinstatement of hostages in any back to work agreement.