I really doubt this theory. Intentionally creating a bad deal would be a huge waste of everyone’s time, representational negligence, and worthy of recall of anyone involved. Further, publicly stating you don’t think a better deal is possible would undermine your desire for a “resounding” no vote to show management, and possibly even risk it passing in a general vote.

I think more likely they sort of got lost along the way. These negotiations have been going on for a long time- through COVID, the Pandemic LOA, and the economic fallout of 21-22. Those are pretty monumental episodes. I think they got really distracted by COVID- they believed the company was really going to furlough 4,000+ of us- then weren’t quick enough to adjust the goalposts once inflation started kicking us in the shorts to the tune of 8%/year.

For their part, I think the company also needs a little more time for this new reality to set in. If they really want to be the best, there would be nothing more antithetical to that goal than giving us a sub-inflationary raise, then turning around & making record profits within the year. They’re only going to take thousands of new pilots & create the next generation of salty FUPM dogs in record time.

Designed to fail? No. But certainly not adequately thought through. IMO, this deal is actually a long-term loser for both sides.