GAF15 you are shooting the messenger here, I am just reporting what my sources inside the company tell me.
To be more precise I was told that they are happy with the way FR guys fly with the automatics on but less happy with their manual handling skills and they are therefore being more demanding during the selection process.
As far as union strength if what you say is correct I am very pleased, union membership and commitment to fighting for what is right aren't really typical attributes you find in FR.....