What an interesting post. All of it. (Doesn't mean I agree with any of it, but delightedly amusing anyway.)
But I wanted to take the above quote and comment.
So, the big cry of "Foul" that we hear from the west is that the east is reneging on an arbitrated seniority list that "both sides agreed on."
Given that tidbit, why is it then ok to throw out a contractual provision (which both sides, BTW, signed off on) which require separate ratification before said seniority list can become effective.
Doesn't the west believe in living up to their agreements? It's a contact. It's binding.
I have no idea where these chips will fall, but I doubt that this little fact I just pointed out will be lost on Judge Wake. Okay, maybe it will be lost on Judge Wake. But I doubt the 9th Circuit would miss it.
I can't believe the "Integrity" crowd now want the judge to do away with their agreement on separate ratification of any new contract.
Well bus,
First, the Judge sees what many on the east don't . He sees what usapa is all about and he is no fool.
In court, one of usapas "defenses"(lol) was that they were created to break the so called gridlock created by ALPA and the Nic.
By implementing the Nic, the alledged gridlock is gone.
Each side still has the right to vote on any contract, and as cleardirect stated, the Nic will be in ANY and ALL contracts to be voted on by the east and West pilots, so you can vote no forever if you want.
Per the T/A three things had to be done in order to use the seniority list. An arbitrated seniority award, a single certificate and a joint contract. Two of the three requirements have been met for some time now. The third has been under the control of the east since the award came out. The Judge knows that too.
The Judge see's the weakness in the T/A and understands that it was not designed to last this long.
usapa will keep trying to delay with appeals, and when that does not work, other forms of delay will unfold.
In my opinion, he will not let that happen as he has stated he doesn't want to see us back in his court. But that is exactaly where we will be if usapa is allowed to delay.
Again, the Judge is much smarter that usapa and their salesman.
Does the West beleive in honoring their agreements? Your damn right we do and the integrity of the West has been displayed since the day of the merger.
By hanging onto the 9th, your setting yourselves up for more disaapointment.
Judge Wake wrote the book on appeals.