I think the mood on them has changed considerably. Wexford, which owns Chautauqua, told the Chautuauqua pilots that Republic was going to be created if the Chautauqua pilots didn't sign J4Js. Chautauqua pilots voted againt J4J, so Wexford started the creation of Republic. The pilots eventually passed J4J, but it was too late from the company's perspective. Chautauqua pilots then held a strike authorization vote, mostly over the creation of Republic, which passed by 94%.
The pilots claimed that Wexford was going to use a non-Union carrier in Republic to bid against flying which Chautauqua already has. I've never been able to confirm this, but someone, somewhere, said that Chautauqua could not add any additional code-shares when they signed with Delta. If Wexford wanted to gain any additional code shares it was going to have to create another airline.
Meanwhile, Chautauqua pilots were in the middle of negotiations for a fair contract, they're almost the lowest paid in the industry. The pilots held and said they would shut it down if they didn't get rid of Republic and get a better contract. The company furloughed 60some pilots in hope of breaking the solidarity. Most viewed this as standard negotiation tactics (Union busting 101) on the company's part. The union that reps (Teamsters, Local 747) the pilots negotiated what looks like a good contract in that; they aren't as poorly paid (they didn't have to take concessions, ala Mesa), AND the formation of Republic would now proceed from a single seniority list (thereby blocking any company attempts to whipsaw the pilot groups in future negotiations.)
Other pilots from other airlines are trying to slam Chautuaqua pilots as sellouts for voting on a crap contract, but I think they don't have much leg to stand. Considering that most were taking concessions for any hope of growth, this contract seems pretty fair given today's market. They also stopped the development of a non-union carrier which could only come back to haunt them in the future.
The vote is being cast now, the count due on the 10th and with any luck, Chautuaqua can begin hiring again soon. There are orders to be delivered and the FO's can now make closer to a liveable wage. As for 4th year FO pay, well, others can debate that.
Hope I haven't mutilated this, this is what I've gathered from reading these boards over the last few months.
