Your point is well taken; I don't totally agree but there is an element of truth to it. The fact that UPS has a TA before FedEx is a double edged sword, both from our (unions) leadership's position and the companies. Surely as we (at FDX) debate the merits and short comings of (your) TA, our management is obliged to consider it as they make their next proposals. I think if the UPS pilots overwhelmingly ratify your TA, we (at FDX) will see a TA within a week, IMHO. If you just barely pass your TA it will give our negotiators more ammo to use to sweeten (our) positions.
On the other hand if you all turn down your TA, we're all looking at a prolonged battle to see who will get the best contract. I could easily see things getting ugly at FDX over the next couple months. If you barely turn down your TA, a lot of head scratching in both camps at FDX (and I assume UPS) as to where to proceed next.
I guess August 31 will be a (near term) pivotal date for both FDX and UPS pilots, either way our fates are intertwined.