Let’s see what has USAPA done thus far?
Leading up to DRF I – USAPA proposed pay rates so unrealistically high that they effectively halted negotiations. No reasonable counter-offer to the Kirby has been presented by USAPA which means USAPA, rather than Management, has put negotiations on ice.
That's right. Rates AWA has never seen before in it's existence. So I can see how you may find them unrealistic. However, for the East, these proposed rates were still below what we were making NINE YEARS AGO!!!
Upon receiving a guilty verdict in DFR I, USAPA appealed rather than accepting the court’s decision creating more delays in the JCBA process.
Right again! USAPA continued their fight in defense of the Addington suit. AND PREVAILED ON THE APPEAL!!!
Rather than asking the 9th to rule on the merits of the DFR, USAPA/$eham expended most of their efforts towards the ripeness issue which ensured even more delays rather than actually seeking a definitive resolution to the seniority issue.
This has been discussed here. Again, putting the 'cart before the horse'. If the case was not ripe and should never have been heard the merits are a mute point. The court need go no further once ripeness was found lacking. Take it as a precursor as to just how far you will get until we actually have something you can sue over.
When Management filed for the DJ to bring a final resolution to the seniority issue, USAPA/$eham opposed the motion showing that they prefer a stalemate rather than a resolution and a JCBA.
Yes, USAPA did oppose the motion. But not for the reasons you state. It will be far more expeditious if the case is desmissed and USAPA is allowed to get on with their business, rather than go through a whole court proceeding only to end up in the same place.....INTERNAL UNION AFFAIRS!!!
So what actions has USAPA actually taken to negotiate a realistic JCBA with Management and to remove all legal doubts about the seniority list that must be used? Oh wait, they did ask for NMB mediation assistance – a process that is guaranteed to slow the process down to a crawl at best.
USAPA is doing all they can despite the time consuming law suits brought about by the West. NMB mediation may slow the process as you say but at least it will hold the company's feet to the fire and in the end provide more effective and meaningful negotiations. Otherwise, the company would just have us chasing our tails.
USAPA owns every bit of the delayed contract and it seems every east poster on this board agrees that if the LOA93 goes for USAPA that there will never be a JCBA. Doesn’t that belie the claim that USAPA and the east actually interested in a JCBA? Which is it – does the east want an JCBA or do they want separate ops with LOA84 until retirement should the rabbit get pulled out of the hat on the grievance? The answer reveals the true confiidence the east has in getting their precious DOH.
USAPA is patiently waiting as the wheels of justice slowly turn. The West put us in the courts, and so it is. Some things may transpire here that negate the East's need to rush into a contract. The East has learned to be patient. USAPA will prevail. It's just going to take time. A hard concept for those used to living the life of instatnt gratification.