I'll let a MAG pilot give you the 100% accurate scoop...but the Clif Notes versions is this: non-union Freedom was up and running, and was a direct threat to the jobs of Mesa ALPA pilots (see the current TSA/GoJet situation). Mesa pilots took it on the chin with their workrules and payrates in order to end the whipsaw and gain scope over all Mesa Air Group flying. "A-listers" worked at Freedom prior to the contract being ratified...