So according to the reference posted above for the exact paragraphs of the Alpa merger policy that address this, if we merge with a non-Alpa carrier this money comes straight out of our dues and if we don't have enough (small airline) then the MEC chair can petition Alpa national for more.

If it's a merger with another Alpa group (frontier may be Alpa soon) then national believes that both groups have an appropriate vehicle to (Alpa merger policy and representation by our reps) to move through the transaction.

It appears that nothing prevents either side from bringing in outside counsel but Alpa will not pay for it. So basically we are paying to lawyer up against the other group. Can we not just agree with the other Alpa group that neither side does this instead of both sides just paying to enrich lawyers. The seniority list ultimately will be decided by an arbitrator anyway.