I am wondering how a new union will affect any change in the Nicalau award...That arbitration is complete and will stand with alpa, usapa or no union at all......
Well, I'm not sure how they are thinking, but here is a possible way...
The problem with the ALPA structure is that there are two groups (one from East and one from West) negotiating a joint contract. If the East negotiators wanted to make a change in the contract protecting the East bases or upgrades, and the West did not agree, that would never make it into a proposal.
However, if a new union wins the election, the entire pilot group would be under that one union and a lot of that East/West distinction as far as the union goes would go away. The new collective MEC would then create a new negotiating team.
I don't think management cares who upgrades as long as they can staff the airline. If the pay is the same, who cares which side they came from...
Section 22 of the contract says base and captain bids are based on seniority. They make a simple change to that language saying those will now be based on length of service with the company. The Nic. seniority list will stay intact, although it would be virtually meaningless as far as upgrading and bases are concerned...