Originally Posted by cactus320

Nowhere in the MB process does it require USAPA to participate. USAPA got that right through the protocol agreement. The 9th said that USAPA's participation must be limited to advocacy for the Nic. The East merger committee is actually part of the APA, but they are also bound by the 9th's ruling as they represent the East pilots.

If the East committee chooses not to participate, that's their choice. Same with USAPA. IMHO, if the East committee joins with the West and let's Jeff Freund represent the whole LUS side, that would probably provide the best outcome for the East pilots.