The GC
Goathead, the GC is exactly what it is, the representative body of the membership, no expert, trained negotiator, whatever, can take their place, unless they are a qualified member of our Association. You see, the GC IS for the membership.
Like in Government, we don't put Public Servants in the Pollies seats in the House, or Senate to do the job.
I believe you are confusing the issue with having "professionals" negotiating with the company, but they must do so at arms length, under the direction of the GC, and thus the membership. Let them take the punches in negotiations with threat of intimidation, fear of dismissal or other reprisals that they company may want to dish out, if they do.
We only need pilots in the GC; we may (?) need industrial negotiators at the pointy end when dealing with the Management, but remember they are representing the Board in the same fashion. The Board doesn't come to negotiate, the management drones do, in a highly incentive driven manner, of course.
NOT to their Bonus!
SATURN:
So what is so secret about these 15 guys, are these the jail bitches the company uses to demonstrate they can do it anyway the can. So what are you going to do about, bitch about them, or bitch for them?