You've got one, too?
I don't believe polling data was the driving factor as to why this NC decided now is the time, and this was the deal that needed to be made. IP participation was high and increasing, membership support of SWAPA was increasing, our leverage and bargaining power was increasing. While not unanimous, I would be surprised if there's been a recent example of a more unified pilot group than what we've had the last few months.
How was our leverage countered? Hell, I don't know, but here's what I think:
-The root word of "mediation" is "medi", meaning "middle" or "center". If anyone thought a government appointed "mediator" was going to bless a "Platform and No Lower" or "Platform Plus" position during "mediated" "negotiations" that SWAPA agreed to be a part of, they were smoking crack. The Platform was a starting point, not an edict. But because it was intelligently created and realistic, it demonstrated our willingness to negotiate in good faith. But we were never going to get the whole thing.
-Finally, the company shows up, abruptly drops a billion dollars on the table and says "your move". Yeah, it should have been more, but "ONE BILLION DOLLARS" makes a solid impression on the mediator and most others involved. That was a tactic SWA borrowed from UPS management. What'd SWAPA give up? Having parking paid for? Flying better/newer jets for more pay?
-Another tactic GK has used in the past was giving employees the choice between "reward" and punishment. "If you guys don't want to play ball, I have no problem chopping your airline up and putting you on the street. (SIA 2)". I think everyone agrees GK et al has something up their sleeve. We're not going to grow organically and we're not going to stagnate. That leaves plenty of room for threats to be made out of purview of mediation and behind the curtains of non-disclosure agreements. That may explain JW's cryptic statement "There will be battles to fight in the future and we will need everyone."
-Let's not forget that the people involved in the process are human beings. How much time and effort are we going to ask (demand) from John and the NC and their families? Watch again the last video updates from Casey and John. They look like absolute hell. But that's because they've given more than anyone else. I'd like to meet the conceited SOB that thinks they can give more to this process and get more in return. I'd like to gut punch anyone who wants someone else to do it for them.
Anyhow, I think it's much more complicated than just polling data. Cheers.