I guess we interprete this statement differently however when the letter came out there were several posters here who took it the same way I do.


After reviewing the polling, and hearing from the expanded team, the MEC reached consensus that our best path forward is a focused approach to re-engaging with management. We informally refer to this path as "focused plus". We know the areas of the last tentative agreement (TA) that must be readdressed (the "focus"), and we are preparing to address other areas of the contract that should have been part of the TA (the "plus"). Any modifications and additions to be sought will be directed by your MEC in a steady and business-like manner.

Here are a few forum comments:

He committed to improving the failed TA.
That in itself is a failure.
We need to start from scratch. Forget that abomination ever existed.

To a certain extent, I agree.


But using NA15 as a starting point is a strategic pitfall. So many concessions and shortcomings...we'd be negotiating with an anvil chained to our feet.

Using NA15 as the starting point is the ultimate win for those who seek to squelch our expectations.
It only took 7 weeks to negotiate NA15. I'm perfectly content to consider that time a sunk cost. Let's start with a clean slate, new survey, and a much more robust shopping list.

Agreed. Burn TA15 and start clean with the new reps in March.