His point is that there are guys from National and Pam Am that were hired and paid in accordance to what was agreed when they came over. That agreement was that they would be paid and have their longevity steps paid in accordance with their pre merger airlines policy. As I understand it, that is what he is say was agreed to here, and is no different.

He is not arguing whether or not the practice should be changed. He is stating that to do so would require opening negotiations on the PWa (section 6) and that is not going to happen.

Is this a incorrect read on what is being stated?

It may be fixed going forward, but reread the point made. I would like everyone to get paid on their hire date, but I do not negotiate the PWA.