Once the SLI is complete they will not have a choice. I know it's hard Cale but legally you aren't ENTITLED to representation until you are "officially" RAH employed.
Your pay will be retro. They come out ahead because they got the time value of money out of you.
Bastards.
Gup
This is another prefect example of the IBT choosing when, where, and whom they want to represent, depending on the IBT's own needs. The IBT doesn't care about the individual pilots they "represent", only what the pilot groups can provide to the IBT. It is an incredibly ironic and hypocritical modus operandi for a labor organization, of all things.
The IBT could very easily file a dispute of representation over the lynx pilot group and the lynx pilot group would become IBT members without an election due to the fact that the size of the two pilot groups are not comparable.
This is what the IBT initially did with the Midwest flight attendants. However, the IBT eventually completely changed their argument and later claimed that the Midwest transaction was not a covered transaction and the IBT attempted to leave the Midwest flight attendants out on the street. One day that want to represent you, the next day they don't.
We see a similar strategy here. The Lynx pilots were active on the date of constructive notice, while RAH had pilots still on furlough. Historically speaking, the furloughed pilots have not fared very well in SLI's. If the IBT petitioned to represent the lynx pilots, and the lynx pilots ended up in front of some RAH pilots that were furloughed on the constructive notice date, the IBT would have some problems. Problems are expensive, and the IBT doesn't like to spend money on pilot problems. If the lynx pilots are on their own until the SLI aribitration
The representation dispute filing does not suit the IBT's needs today. However, mark my words, you will definitely see the filing by the IBT in November, when it helps them and only them.
Just to be clear, I am not throwing stones at the IBT pilot membership. This is a specific rant at the IBT as an "organization". They talk out of all sides of their mouth, picking and choosing their battles irregardless of the effects on the pilots they are supposed to be representing.