normally yes but when you are on full time flight pay loss things are different. however yes I am sure there is more to the story but the basic narrative has been confirmed to me by a few separate people.
Some questions that need to be asked :
1. Did he attempt to pick up time
2. Did he have any unfinished business with the MEC and or any other work with National or management
3. Did the new MEC communication to him how the transition should take place going back to the line