I pulled out the contract and couldn't even find the article that says we can't downbid, though as far as I know we can't unless surplused. There probably isn't any language about a crewmember who is assigned having the right to downbid? Anyone know the pertinent articles? If I read the contract correctly, management has the right to assign or hire into any unbid vacancies, their choice.
I'm not sure we'll get that far, though. As the SPC Comittee letter said, "This is an important opportunity that requires answers up front, much talent, and an open dialogue to pull off in a short period of time." This week's meetings will be critical. We'll find out if it's even possible to get answers and have dialogue.
I think it will be a shame if we don't. If ANA ends up with egg on it's face ABX is going to take a major credibility hit. It may be a long time before we see an opportunity like this again. I don't see anywhere that the union or pilot group has obstructed this deal, either. I think the majority of the group wants us to get this contract, even if they don't want to do it themselves. But the silence from management has, as usual, been deafening. If I depended on the company channels of communication, I would be completely uninformed. And the arrogance of the domicile presentation (ie: "we don't have to negotiate anything") is breathtaking. And I speak as one who is actually interested in bidding this; I am willing to move over there. But the lack of answers is scary.