Tough question, Whalesurfer. Dorsey tried to impress upon the IPA that they only had a short window of opportunity for an integration. He knew that once retirement, medical and stock benefits had been accrued under the corporate plan, sidestepping to the IPA plan would be a very difficult sell. It's not so much the value difference of the plans - it's the manner and time frame in which they accrue.

Dorsey, and those who stood with him, took a tremendous leap of faith when they risked their careers to unify the entire pilot group. They were going up against a very powerful company, but they were willing to take the risk. Their success hinged completely on having the support of the IPA, and they were confident that they would have it. They were dead wrong. What the IPA did to Dorsey was inexcusable. Many FQMs had a front row seat as they watched the IPA tie a lead weight to Dorsey's ankle and shove him overboard. Will any FQM ever trust their livelihood and future to the IPA after that? Tough call....... would you?

I've seen other posts suggesting that the courts somehow decide the matter of integration. As you know, that was the whole point of the Dorsey case. The IPA's testimony regarding Class & Craft in the Dorsey case made their point loud and clear - that FQM Class & Craft is different, and that FQMs are not eligible for representation. I'm no legal expert, but that would seem slam the door on that option.

The bottom line is that in order for the IPA to ever unify the entire pilot group after what has happened in the past, they're going to have to pull a rabbit out of the hat - and I don't know what that means. But, I can toss out this one observation. In my opinion, the IPA approached both integration attempts with anger and emotion, rather than logic and leadership. Anyone who does not believe this better get used to the current structure, because you will live with it for the rest of your careers.

As for me.... yes, enjoying retirement. I rarely go to these message boards. They're just too toxic. But, every now and then my curiosity gets the best of me, and I get weak. I need to work on that problem....