End just said "Do you mean that everyone had a vote for a JCBA that would supercede the transition agreement?"
Not sure if I understand what you are asking. The Transition Agreement was the "contract" that brought us out of BK. It was NOT a JCBA, it was by definition the process that would lead us to that end, or in our case unending limbo. Not only did it not work, it really is not even really relevant, unless after 7 years Parker finally decides to put this thing together.
The MEC's indeed would have approved the entire T/A without allowing the members to vote if they could have, but thanks to Mowery in his rep days the East had a standing resolution requiring a member vote on new equipment. The T/A was not agreed to "a la carte" by the Company. It was not like it could be sent out and only certain parts approved. In order to "sign" the document, a vote was required on the 190 being introduced, with its associated pay rates. Thus, in order for for T/A to be agreed to, it requried a MEMBERSHIP vote. The T/A could not be ratified until that happened. Take a look at LOA 96, including the 190 definitions and pay.
AWA thought they would never fly that plane, and had no problem voting for the low rates. Most of the East thought they also would never fly it. So far…..West was right, East was wrong.
Greeter
I think you and I are talking about the same thing, but I don't think we're establishing the proper order.
LOA 93 is THE CONTRACT that resulted from the second BK that the East pilots voted on and approved.
LOA 96 is a "transition" agreement that states a process between the integration of East and West pilots. It laid out the terms of who flys what equipment, what pay rates are established on the 190, while the process is traveled to a JCBA. If you'll notice, Duane Woerths signature is on this document. Why?
It is because the NATIONAL union (ALPA) requires the President approve ANY documents it's agents (East MEC, West MEC) sign off on. In short these "agents" as representatives of the "craft or class" must approve ANY contract, even those sent out to rank and file members to vote on. This arrangement is why APA and USAPA broke off from ALPA. If ALPA national doesn't like the agreement, they have veto power if the President doesn't approve it.
American MEC ALPA at the time in 1962, I believe, negotiated, voted on and approved the elimination of the flight engineer and the President of ALPA wouldn't sign the agreement. I have a link to this history on APA website if your interested.
LOA 96 provided a "process" towards the JCBA but under ALPA merger "policy" it was required to have separate ratification by both East rank and file membership and West rank and file membership. And if BOTH groups majority approved it, ALPA Nationals President was needed to sign that agreement. But the Transition agreement was NOT approved with rank and file approval.
The company argues it is a contract and THEY are bound by it. They are because there are TWO halves to it, the company side of what they must do and the union side of what were going to GET. They are bound to it up and until and JCBA is negotiated and voted on.
BTW, are you aware that the President could refuse to sign any contract you vote for if he/she doesn't like it? FWIW.
As far as who flies the 190 they were on the East and there they remain so far. Who was "right or wrong" I'm not sure I understand.