Originally Posted by
sailingfun
ALPA is a association. Spirit is the union. Your negotiating committee and your MEC made the choices to accept or reject the contract. Your pilot group will also vote to reject or accept the contract. Vote as you see fit. ALPA wont vote for you.
True, but when the ALPA attorney answers a question on a conference call pertaining to what happens if the TA is not ratified, by saying 'I don't really know', that is fear mongering. How could two of ALPA's best not know what happens if a TA is voted down during self-help? I'm not a big history buff, but I'm sure that we are not the first pilot group in this situation.
They said it is a gray area? Uncharted waters?
How about the MEC makes a contingency plan with the company via LOA in case the TA fails? Something like both sides agree, in the case the TA fails ratification, to continue the status quo until (insert date here). Just long enough to do a little negotiating. In effect, reset the clock to a week before the original strike deadline.
Why not do this? Because the MEC wants to use the pressure of uncertainty to scare its own members into a yes vote. Shame on you MEC. I'm sure the company would jump at the chance to lock in a contingency plan. If the company says no to an LOA, then you still have your answer, immediate strike. At least you could make your decision without the specter of 'what if?'
WHAT IF your personal attorney, in his area of expertise answered you with "Gee, I don't know"?