Hi Gloopy,

The summer wasn't my choice, but it's the logical choice. I'll give Malone that much.

The main issues are retro and NMB.

The NMB has previously let ALPA know that within a few weeks of the presidential election, and certainly for weeks thereafter, they hibernate, then their makeup switches according to the winning side. One source says they will probably want to wrap things up by late September.

I don't think there is any reasonable expectation retro is included with a 2017 contract. Take one week for MEC review + 60-day MEMRAT, and that makes late October an important day.

To the extent picketing makes a difference, the summer was the time to picket for the greatest effect. I think Malone mentioned Labor Day a lot, did he not?