Originally Posted by
todd1200
Our mgmt. is definitely signaling that they want to go straight to arbitration, but who knows how genuine that is. They probably recognize the implications that their coming back to the table would have on Section 6 negotiations in a couple years, but I’d have to imagine the risk of a judge ruling in our favor outweighs their desire to appear strong at the table. My personal guess is they’ll come up with a new TA at the 11th hour, but I wouldn’t mind it going in front of the arbitrator, especially after they dismissed our collective voice in the process.
As of now, arbitration is scheduled to start on May 11.
Think of it this way, there is no negotiations possible (because of the rejection of the TA and the pilots frustration with the MEC actions until now) until a union survey is complete, the data is crunched, and the MEC has met to decide on a "ask". Until all of that is complete, the company knows there is no negotiating, so in the mean time they are putting up a tough front to get pilots expectations down, and get guys thinking they'd be "lucky if the company comes back to renegotiate"...
Ultimately the contract scope language isn't on the company's side, but they have a free pass until at least May 11th. But... They can't possibly put themselves in a position to get a cease and desist order, so they will have to reengage well before May 11th.
That is my opinion.