During the first year, a newhire isn`t represented by ALPA. Yes, the company could insist that a first year pilot cross a picket line or be fired. It happened at United. Not one new hire crossed. After the strike was over, they all kept their jobs, as well as a few scabs that crossed. Their (scabs) life was and still is, hell. I certainly hope that any new hire isn`t foolish enough to cross. This action would follow him (or her) forever. Having said all of the above, I think the chance of a strike at Comair is very, very low.