Originally Posted by skybolt

With all due respect, your post is not entirely correct either. You say, "If talks fail it will go to a mediation. We will not retain our work rules,.....".

That is not a correct statement.

Mediation IS talks.

Plain and simple, mediation is nothing more than an NMB appointed mediator attempting to bring the parties together. The Mediator forces nothing, he/she essentially listens; listens for impasses, for breakdowns, for non-productive discussions and steps in to re-direct the discussion in a positive manner. At MOST, the mediator will offer a compromise when neither side can see the others position as being workable.

It is nothing more than your assumption that we "will not retain our work rules". Arbitration is NOT mandatory, and outside of arbitration, the only way we change our work rules is to ratify a TA that reduces them or for the Co to successfully use self help and unilaterally impose. Does ANYONE think Spirit will ask for self help?

I pretty much agree with the rest of your post.

But everyone needs to understand this: there IS NO shortcut to a great CBA.