There are some things you need to realize here folks... This applies to any probationary member- not just PNCL/9E. When there is a legal work action "strike" flying will not be going on. Look at our seniority list- there are many people who have not crossed the 1yr mark but how many CA's? You will be protected during a legal work action. The company is short on pilots and cannot afford to just get rid of you because of a strike and WONT. The main part of the probationary period is to be able to evaluate guys/gals and see if they will keep them around. People occasionally do get fired, but its normally for poor attitude, appearance, performance, or stupidity. If you go to work, do your job, and carry a good attitude you will be fine. The company may "try" to take "hostages" (probys) but that won't last and I don't think there has ever been a documented case where probys were fired during a strike UNLESS they walked the line. The MEC will not let you walk the line so don't worry. If the company does try to term a proby while on strike NOBODY goes back to work until the pilot is reinstated. Nobody gets paid while on a strike but PNCL does have a strike fund and since the majority of the pilot group makes less than $75K a yr we are all entitled to money before a long wait period. I was hearing something that its roughly the same amount as first yr FO guar pay for FO's and about 60% guar for CA's- not much but it will help. Scheduling may call a reserve proby FO and have them report but with no CA or connecting pax nothing will happen as far as flying. Keep in mind that many airlines are coming into contract negotiations within the next year and this is nothing new. Look at PNCL not for the possibility of a strike, but the big picture. Contract negotiations are rough right now and probrably will remain unchanged until the beginning of the year- we have the holidays and a good percentage of the pilot group timing out this year (which only screws mgmt). After the company gets crunched through the holidays I think they will come to the table. The bleeding of FO's and CA's continues. Upgrades are still quick and there is plenty of flying to be had. This is a risk- no doubt- but I don't see this company folding and once there is a contract the bleeding will slow. A strike here would only last a few days before NWA comes down on us since we do roughly 40% of their domestic flying. I will say that if I was looking for a regional job I would look elsewhere UNLESS you have the time to upgrade quick, live in base, or are willing to take some risk. I have my resume up to date and already know where I am sending my stuff IF crap hits the fan. My next move will not be a regional. Good luck with whatever decision you make- keep in mind you need to be offered the job to turn it down. Study hard, worst case you go to the interview for the practice!