I wouldn't be surprised if it was another blunder by the MEC. Seems strange that only one carrier would consider Awac distressed when ALPA has dozens of carriers. Either you're distressed to everybody or you're distressed to no one. By definition awac is not distressed. UAL MEC does not control UAL hiring, so whatever they might've "worked out" at the hotel bar holds no legal weight to change UAL hiring practices.

At least this gambit encouraged some dialogue. Can't remember the last time there was any word from the CEO.