Why are you so scared of a 3 way arbitration? You may come out better as you have indicated that the east got too much.
I am not "scared of a 3 way arbitration".
However, it is definitely not what I would like to see happen for many reasons.
First, it would be challenged right from the get go. DFR ripe the instant usapa comes to the table using anything other than the Nic. The 9th found Addington "not ripe" because there were too many contingencies in place that could still keep usapa from using an alternate seniority scheme until a ratified contract. However, if usapa actually used an alternate seniority scheme prior to a contract, then case ripe.
Second, usapa is tasked with representing "all LCC pilots", and would have an inherent conflict of interest trying to promote the east over the West or vice versa.
Finally, and most important, a divided LCC group will do nothing but make us both losers in a 3 way SLI. The order of LCC pilots on a combined list would not change from the NIc, but, you can bet your bottom dollar we will all be much further down than had we come to the table with a unified front and a legitimate case for a "fair and equitable" integration.
to sum....the Nic ain't going away. If a merger happens and usapa tries to use anything other than the Nic it is probable that usapa would be removed from the process and all LCC pilots would suffer. Unless of course Silver rules that a union has a legitimate union objective in allowing the majority to override a binding arbitration that took place within its membership.