I believe the comment by Frank Reeves of the Post-Gazette today of this being a torturous labor relation issues is correct, but it's torturous because principally the IAM leadership is afraid to stand behind the deal.
Why? The union is worried about AMFA organizing as the CBA agent.
I believe this is not the arena for the mechanics to fix this issue, if so desired. The only way to fix this problem is to vote yes so there will be a company for AMFA or the IAM to represent.
If a member votes no on September 17, the member may never have to worry about fixing the internal union problems. The problem could be that a number of members believe that regardless of whether the deal is ratified, the airline will still be around. I believe that is a misconception that could lead to the failure and liquidation of the airline.
However, if the deal is rejected and US convinces the court to abrogate the CBA, the airline still may not survive.
Who wins then? Delta Air Lines.
US will not recieve one dime of the credit facility or loan guarantee even with just talk of a strike. In this case, the company may as well close its doors and stop sending out paychecks in 1 or 2 paycheck disbursement cycles from now.
Chip