Too answer your questions about the Aer Lingus deal...

I believe it was a loophole in the current UAL CBA that permitted the operation. It angered many UAL pilots and in opinion made many realize scope is not just a narrow body pilot issue. I am not sure of the pay rates for these employees working this operations. I do like the term they use for it... "enhanced code share".

But, my observation is this is telling and I am a pessimist. To me, this may be a sign we are closing in on the JCBA and United realizes they lost this battle therefore giving a contractual 90 day notification. I think under a JCBA this operation will not be permitted or at least I hope.