And the next time positions on the ALPA negotiating team opens up, I really do hope you are first in line. IF you were not there during the time NW announced its intent to cancel all Avro flying, or during contract talks that engaged after 9/11, then you would know the scope of what was at stake in terms of contractual pay and benefits.
This is not to be meant an "in your face" response, but we were dealing with, and I will use managements terms, draconian cuts, across the board. We did what he had to do, and let our union reps negotiate on our behalf. We also had the benefit of voting against the TA, for which I was one. But when it was ratified, I got in line and stood behind in 100%.
I left after 7.5 years in October 2006, so I was not privvy to the dealings with the concessionary contract. But as history dictates with the Mesaba labor group, they will be fighting for every penny, for every pilot, even if during such times that market conditions warrant otherwise.