I just want to say that no one on the XJ side believe dealing with Pinnacle Management was going to be a slam dunk. If we take the picketing issue out - I believe we are together on just about everything.
None of us think you're lying about the double dealing, unreasonable negotiations you have had. Again, few of us thought much would get done in 45 days. But I must say that I believe there is progress. Could our MEC/Neg Committee be lying? Yes. I just don't think so.

Now some examples of what XJ has done.
In the '04 contract the union was going for much more money, split FO rates, and other things I can't remember. The MAIR took all the money out of Mesaba. Then they bought Big Sky. The negotiating committee/MEC had to give up a lot to get the infamous MAIR letter that said anything over 19 seats had to be flown at Mesaba. And we made some changes to the scope language.

The union really got a lot of heat...from me too. It wasn't till the bankruptcy and the sale of Mesaba to NWA where we actually got any satisfaction. Big Sky and MAIR died. The MAIR letter was tied to Mesaba and MAIR. Letter didn't say anything about who OWNED Mesaba. MAIR tried to sue (could have just threatened) XJ ALPA, ALPA National, and some others in Houston Federal Court. There was no traction but still. And I heard MAIR actually approached XJ APLA for a payoff but the number was too much for them so they just folded up shop.

I still marvel at the foresight of the MAIR letter. I certainly didn't appreciate it at the time. I am not happy about Big Sky dying. I am not sure of the details but I think XJ ALPA may have dropped the ball in getting them onto our agreement but I am not sure, before my time.

In the bankruptcy, we won a few skirmishes but we lost. But the company didn't Impose the term sheets on us and they came up with an agreement. We paid but we didn't get off too bad. I think we have some valuable experience for getting the joint contract.

I wish the hard feelings didn't exist between us but I would be lying if I said I didn't agree with my MEC. As soon as my MEC says picket, if I can, I will be there. A lot of us will come.