That was 1989, there was no provision to fly 400's nor was there a pay scale for it. The company had waited to the last minute thinking we would fly a shiny new airplane no matter. Rick was able to get the 570 seniority restored, even after we signed an agreement that said it would never be a subject of negotiations.There was a lot going on then, we were a unified pilot group, management was in disarray after the strike miscreants were fired, those were different times.

Rick knew leverage better than anyone else, but he also would say, (to paraphrase) "gather the chips when you can get them, say thank you, and tell them, now we want more."

Leverage today is far less than it was in the 80's. Given the notion of "too big to strike," and the legal blocks to job actions, there are fewer tools available. Nevertheless, the company always wants something, so negotiation are a continuous process. Section 6 is really a last century concept.

As one disinterested observer, it is fascinating to watch some of the revisionism here. My guess is 74% in favor, money has always trumped everything else. Predicting future gains is very risky, but it really doesn't matter which way this vote goes (until 1994 it would have already passed). No one will lose a job, retirement, or will the union's existence be threatened with B scales or RJ's. So, it is a quality decision, except for some politics by those maneuvering to be MEC Chair, this would be a non-event.