The new MEC in 83' decided that the pilots were not bright enough to know all the issues regarding a contract vote so they took away membership ratificationfrom the pilots until 94'. When pilots were demanding membership ratification during the fabled ESOP negotiation the MEC refused to allow the pilots the right to vote. They knew it wouldn't pass. They only agreed to allow membership ratification after the ESOP was passed. There are many on the MEC who think we line pilots are just a bunch of sheep.