The problem is that when you negotiate for a contract you start off with a divided workforce and they can play off the lower paid ASMs off higher paid AMTs. At AA they arrogantly boasted that they were just looking for a 50% plus one vote, so they threw in an Early Out offer, meaning they knew they would be stuck with a workforce where the majority of those who remained voted against the deal that they were stuck with. The company didn't care, now they have to live with a workforce that doesn't either. Here at AA every A&P at negotiations except one (who was beyond retirement age) voted against bringing the deal we have at AA back, the non-A&Ps in the room outnumbered the A&Ps and forced the deal to be put out for ratification. The Union then pulled out all the plugs to get the deal passed. Sure it wouldn't have passed unless some A&Ps voted for it but if only A&Ps had voted then it most certainly would have failed. So before thinking that introducing much lower paid unlicensed workers is better than seeing that work go out look down the road a bit and realize that the cost of keeping that work in house may be lower wages for you in the end. You may keep the work but lose the job and lifestyle you came into this profession to get.