Maybe there is a lesson there. The perception is ALPA had a controlling influence on AT pilots. Not true. When we (scumbag line pilots) pressed the ALPA lawyer in an open meeting, he was very non committal to what we should expect if we voted no. No fire and brimstone. I don't remember him speaking poorly of SWA.
The vocal minority said vote it down, while apparently the silent majority hoped it would pass without losing face.
717's go away and our pilots all go their reps and ask how this can be? A dispute is filed on behalf of all pilots. By our elected officials.
Now, being on the other side I read SWAPA membership asking why "ALPA" has filed a dispute but SWAPA officials haven't? Its a rhetorical question because everyone knows the answer is SWAPA doesn't like to make waves. You sound like you just want to move on ,fair enough. But many of your brothers and sisters are not happy with SWAPA's relationship with the company after the AT purchase (I'm sure it started before then).