we should have already had an election.If the representational issue is not cleared up by June '10 and/or AFA is voted in and a combined contract is not yet agreed to (which would be very likely as that is only 8 months away and we haven't even voted!!!), it IS going to present operational challenges to the company.
and if the group opted for representation, they should be negotiating a Tentative Agreement right now.
this needed to happen this summer (the election) well in advance of the SOC.
because going from day one of an election to
day one of a contract ratification is a significant, lengthy process..
(it took over three years for NWO/RAL Flight Attendants to integrate)
since the pilots have resolved all their issues...there is really nothing preventing either FA group being assigned any aircraft (it seems) other than the contractual requirement we have to remain separate until our election has determined how to proceed.
that would be great to have the ability to fly all aircraft at the base.
(many would be very pleased in that regard)
so at least from an operational standpoint, the pilots have successfully addressed what was necessary.
that in itself is a good thing.
I think the real issue, they, Company want to keep the merger on track since it has been ongoing very smoothly and the goal integrating successfully, with operations being a very top priority.. IMOThey know this and I think it is the primary reason that they are so upset about the possible NMB voting rule change.