I can't predict exactly what the SLI will be, no one can. But I can predict a few things that WON't be in it.

Each SLI decision is used in the future to fine tune ALPA merger policy and to set precendents that are also used in future SLI's.

So what do I think absolutely will not be used in our SLI?

For one, a snapshot date any later than Oct 2010. Why? It would set a horrible precedent. If 2013 is used, the l-CAL side gets rewarded for sandbagging and delaying the JCBA. Heck, why not drag it out a bit farther? 2020? All the l-UAL pilots will be pulling gear on CAL jets. They have to use a 2010 date or all future SLI's and JCBA's will be delayed as long as possible by whichever side has the short term advantage.

There is one other factor about setting precedents that I would be very worried about if I were a l-CAL pilot. The CAL merger committee lied for 3 years about the unavailability of actual l-CAL date of hire information. They presented CALex DOH for a lot of pilots without designating it as such, in a "certified" employment data list. In effect, they attempted to harm the SLI position of all l-UAL pilots with falsified data.

For the arbitrators to NOT somehow punish the bad behavior of the CAL merger committee might set a bad precedent. Allowing lying and deceipt to go unpunished, might promote such behavior in future SLI's.

If it were a court of law and not an arbitration committee, someone would be severely punished for the actions of their committee.

I can also see ALPA merger policy being modified to be specific about snapshot dates, and maybe having ALPA national being more involved in the JCBA negotiations.

What has gone on for the last 3 years at UCH has been an abortion.