2. They want a contract. Ok, well you will only get a contract if the "company will get you one". Look at all the others who are fighting for a contract. They are ALPA and they don't have a contract either.
the difficulty of getting a contract will depend on your MEC, NC and management. If your managent is so good about looking after you (since you dont need a union, i assume this is true) then a contract shouldnt take long to get settled. Granted we at expressjet didnt go section 6 but opted for an extension, and we have a few grievences (and we won the main cabin door pay), but not every company is prone to 6+ year negotiations.