Carl, There is one simple fact about mergers. If DOH benefits your group then it if the only fair way to merge a list. If if does not then some form of ratio is the only fair way to merge the list. Prior to this round of merger talks I did not know a single Red book pilot at NWA who felt the Roberts award was fair.
I also have no doubt that if the positions were reversed and NWA had enjoyed greater growth and a newer fleet they would be on this forum screaming about how unfair DOH would be in merging the lists.
The truth in the end is simple. Each side will always 100 percent of the time advocate the positions that is best for them. In this case arbitrators will make the final decision. Regardless of how that award comes down I will honor the decision and not blame NWA pilots for the outcome if it goes bad. They are doing what we are doing. Seeking the best deal for both sides. The only complaint I have had is the questionable accurracy of some things put out by the NWA mec and the need for observers ect.. that hinder committee work. I have no complaint at all about NWA asking for DOH. I have no doubt that if DOH benefited the Delta pilots we would be asking for it and I have no doubt that if a ratio benefited the NWA pilots they would be asking for a ratio as they did in their last merger.