The company's stance in this negotiationing process is utterly bizarre. It's as if they WANT us to go through the strike process quickly so we can get a new contract relatively soon. I'm lead to believe Franke is simply saving face by not negotiating (along with not setting a precedent for future negotiations as someone pilots can negotiate with).

Bottom line, they are ASKING the mediator and NMB for us to strike. They could easily drag this out for a long time but they aren't. It's the only thing I can think of.

PS. No buyout/merger at this point. Money is in the IPO and grow for the next 3-5 years. After that, then maybe buyout/merger.

PPS. Unless it's some stupid amount like 4 or 5 billion, then maybe a buyout but I simply don't see it.