Like many, I also wondered why the company would put out another bid so soon. Especially since none of the variables have changed. Zero takers, IMO. Perhaps the video would sway folks...I think not. Interestingly though, the bid closes early enough to get folks thru training in a somewhat timely fashion. Currently, a number of Subic F/O's are not scheduled to leave Subic until spring.
Many would agree that hiring off the street or threaten of a furlough, are the only way the slots will be filled. I contend the company may be thinking about offering more money in housing. Perhaps up to the maximum they were willing to give on the LOA. I'm confident that figure was greater than $2700. Hell, O and the SFS chief pilot, at the time, had a meeting with the Subic pilots to "discuss" the possibility of living in Hong Kong. This was well before the LOA. After their 2-3 day fact-finding mission in Hong Kong(more than our own NC, by the way), they threw out the figure of $3500 a month. No, they didn't confirm the company was willing to pay that, however, they threw out that number for over an hour. No doubt, to me at least, they were looking for a reaction. Anybody who has taken negotiations 101, or ever bought anything at the market in PVG, knows you don't throw out your best offer at the outset. I am convinced the company was willing to offer a considerable amount more.
If the company offers more, they will fill it. Actually, if they offered say $5000, you would see a lot of folks wanting to re-open the bid so that they too could bid even the Captain slots. There-in lies the problem. How would you side-step that potential mess? Oh wait, that's right, we wouldn't have to let the membership vote on it. DW has the ability to sign off on anything he wishes. Surely, he wouldn't go against the wishes of the membership...