Summer most certainly is arbitrary, by definition. The only thing not arbitrary in a process like this would be the start of a time limited cooling off period or a time limited PEB, etc.

I believe that our guys believed that not just a TA, but an acceptable and ratifiable TA were in range by the middle/end of the summer. That's why I think they bent and gave on the AIP's right away. And then the company rapped yo mama jokes, dropped the mic and walked off.

Of course we could have had a TA, but it would have been with all the AIP's and the 16.5/-4/3/3/-? amount so basically 12/3/3 with a surprise cut later when they dramatically jack up (and likely redefine) management compensation. So even less than 12/3/3. With the AIPs.

Nope. Its clear the company negotiators aren't serious about giving us a winning contract. They are in search of the path to the lowest 50%+1 they can get, and even then with the industry blowing us by they're content to sit on our current book unless they get deep concessions. Their pay proposal with the AIP's would in no way have gotten 50%+1 though. So where would that have put us, and how would we be better off?