"They already have an agreement with the UAL pilots to fly the 100 seaters. They can order them right now if they want... no new agreement necessary. The pay scale is hideously low, but it is there."
Only within the scope of the agreement. What if UAL has another idea in mind that's a bit unique (maybe it's not a straight "buy and fly" deal) or outside the current agreement? We'll hear a lot more in then next month and a half about what was proposed and I think you will see why they asked for the negotiations.
"I'm relatively happy with status quo. "
I always want more money and time off.