Can't say I have met any these people but I have knowledge of the workings from a family member involved in negotiations on behalf the company(not B6) and friends who were NC chairmen. The NMB has a surprising amount of power. The company WILL at some point use this raise for sympathy. It is what it is and we really have no choice but to accept the raise. This won't change our negotiating at all but is just one of the tactics every airline uses to delay the costs of a contract. Every month delay is millions of dollars and more importantly on a first contract, control. Unless something comes along(financing, merger, stability, etc) then the goal is to delay as long as possible. If you are new to airline labor contract negotiations it would be wise to do a little research. Start with a google search of Ford and Harrison, Seabury and read the book Hard Landing. Again follow SOP, fly your schedule and no more and show your support of the NC. Take the 8% and transfer it directly into a strike fund.