This may come as a shock, but, I find it quite easy to believe that the union is not involved in the daily plans of the company.
I find it easy to believe that the company isn't the greatest communicator in the world regarding their plans and concerns.

I find it difficult to believe that the company is delaying the closing in an attempt to be beneficial towards any pilot considering the bid.

I think it is possible that there is govt involvement on some level that has mgt trying to figure out whether opening a foreign domicile is in the company's best interests.

Perhaps the possibility of changing corporate tax law regarding foreign earnings is making FedEx rethink the CDG issue. It might be better to continue to write-off the SIBA travel expenses.

Don't know. And don't think there's going to be a letter from "O" anytime soon about the issue.

I do think the LOA is going to continue to be substandard w/a static (and unimpressive) housing allowance w/ no COLA. Would be much nicer if we had instead chosen to mirror the assistance the military provides an O-4, O-5 individual based overseas.
In short, don't think anything the company is contemplating will impact on those pilots choosing an European Vacation