I guess we'll have to disagree on what we call "majority." Right up until the MECs said "Don't do it," I was getting e-mails from XJ and 9L guys alike that were wanting info to come walk with us. Sounds to me like the guys at the top of the union undercut what a lot of other guy didn't see as a problem.....now, suddenly, XJ and 9L guys that were willing to walk the line with us are against us. The feeling over here is that the XJ and 9L MECs are trying to get on management's good side. Not sure if I share that opinion since 1) management here doesn't HAVE a good side and 2) they've got no say in the SLI as it is. There are examples in the past of groups that have picketed early in negotiations.

I think one thing that's being overlooked is an MEC's job is to look out for their own pilots. As of right now, we've got three different MECs that are tasked to look after their pilots. The 9E MEC is doing what it feels is right for their pilots. The XJ and 9L MECs are going to do the same. I just don't understand why they're doing what they are, and the only reasons I've gotten are "It's too early" or "We're making progress." The first is shattered by examples of airlines picketing during a merger before they even HAVE a process agreement. The second is something all 9E guys have heard for years. It's akin to telling us Santa Claus is real (sorry if I ruined that for some guys). I'm trying to convey the reasons and feelings of what's going on at 9E while trying to understand the motivation and reasoning behind the other two MECs' decisions.

I've got no issues with XJ and 9L pilots in general. After this is all said and done, we're gonna have to work together one way or the other. My issues are with the two MECs and the occasional guys that think they're better than us.