FR8,
In theory, I'd agree that bringing someone into training for adding fuel is BS....BUT, when we regularly see East A/C all over the system burning both engines and the APU on taxi out/in and USAPA espousing 'contract negotiations mode', it's hard for us to keep our suspicions at bay that fuel is being intentionally wasted.
It is even harder for us to get behind the call to arms to defend Captain's Authority considering USAPA attempted to remove Captain's Authority from control of the jumpseat via a restraining order. The hypocricy of the current outrage is ripe.
I would be much more concerned with your 'union's' willingness to spend 100k+ to sue AWA pilots and another 100k+ to put an ad in the USA Today while the company is actively attempting to furlough large numbers from both sides.
Current top priorities for other real unions are fighting tooth and nail to mitigate furloughs by any and all means necessary. USAPA has publically stated that they believe the furloughs are a negotiation move by the company. In the meantime, they've become consumed with attacking/threatening the west over dues money, passing resolutions on gear pin usage and appointing themselves the 'defenders' of captain's authority while systematically ignoring the pressing needs of the majority of the pilot group. USAPA is a total joke.