IMO the company is exploiting a legal "concern" aka excuse not to start the MBCBP - unless they get concessions from the pilot group. They are confident that no matter how this tactical pause turns out, it saves the company $$$ - whether by purely delaying the start or by additionally getting free concessions from the pilots (during record profitability and peak pilot contractual leverage, no less).

I think UALPA should be pushing loudly for "backpayments" as this issue marches towards inevitable arbitration/grievance and continues to be drawn out. I do NOT think the MEC should make some extracurricular deal just for the sake of "getting it started". That by it's very nature will IMO require concessions and split the pilot group.

UALPA should be beating the drum for the pilot group to clearly lay this delay at the feet of the company, where it belongs; if the company isn't comfortable holding up the UPA contract they agreed to, then the burden is on them to fix it ASAP. Whether the company is getting cold feet or straight up negotiated in bad faith, it doesn't matter; backpay to make the pilot group whole and fulfill the legitimately negotiated intent of the contract.

​​​​​​​Anything else deserves unified outrage from the entire United pilot group.