Actually, Skywest has the workrules, pay rates, etc. because they ride the "coat tails" of ALPA carriers like ASA, CMR, ACA (Indy), etc. Don't kid yourself in to thinking you did it because you stood firm. Last I heard you guys were standing pretty firm on that 70 seat pay rate deal.
What I think will happen, and this was some one else's idea that simply made sense to me, is that Jerry A. has already given in to the fact the Skywest pilots are going to unionize and most likely through ALPA. Skywest will buy ASA and operate them seperetely until ASA negotiates a new contract then merge the 2 in to that contract. This way Jerry can avoid having to negotiate for about 4-5 years.
I think it is a pretty good theory, but only time will tell!
Cheers