I know everyone would love to think that there is some really deep conspiracy between the Atlas union and management, but there isn't. The Polar MEC and Robin Hair just want their membership to believe it that way.
The simple fact is, the presence of the Negotiation chair of the Atlas membership is to see first hand what can affect the Atlas crewmembers
again as a result of this arbitration. Anything less would be irresponsible to the Atlas membership. It also falls very - very short of the Polar MEC crashing uninvited Atlas council meetings, phone conferences, Global Pilots Alliance Meetings with DHL, and a few others uninvited. Besides, the arbiter had no problem with the chairman's attendance.
One of the Polar council demands (#4 of 5) of remedy in this arbitration is the retaking of Atlas flying and A/C
again to upgrade 37 and the rehiring of the furloughed F/E's. Which of course would mean possible stagnation at the Atlas crews council if not a possible furlough again. #4 noted here in an excerpt of Polars demanded remedy:
The contract customers and A/C mentioned are the same exact flying that was taken originally from the Atlas crews during their initial contract negotiations and then given to the Polar council as a negotiation tactic by the company against the Atlas council resulting in about 170 Atlas furloughs. Noted on slide 11 on this
Click Here For Flash Slide Show(opens a new window - click on each image for next slide).
So essentially, it is like a thief that got caught stealing - went to jail and then gets out only to sue you for what he stole from you (though for a short time) to begin with in this arbitration.
I would say there is an interest in the Atlas council sitting in to listen in on what is going on. I'm kind of surprised that the Polar council has taken such a view, unless they go into the "say anything" mode again to win.
My statement on my previous post pretty much stands despite how much you don't like hearing the truth.