Originally Posted by
CptGSXR
The only reason the Toonsters are still at G4 is because GU and national ran a campaign telling pilots they wouldn't get their retention bonus if they were voted out. Can't blame pilots for not wanting to lose $200k
As I've said before (and I assume you know) that is not how the RLA works, contractual agreements are between the pilots and the company, the union is a broker. You can change unions and it all remains in force.
Possible exception if the bonus was explicitly in writing as being tied to IBT representation but even then I have my doubts. RLA and labor law typically doesn't allow a company to manipulate/interfere with representation choice to that degree.