Totally disagree Shep69
Talk to the big players, BALPA, AALPA, GALPA, etc they all use professional negotiators when it comes down to the wire. Sure the AOA can negoitate RP's and RTL's but when it comes down to money ( and that is all Swire's care about, the bottom line ) then you need hard ass negotiators who are given a brief and a figure and let loose.
We are where we are because back in the day the AOA was a club, even the management were members and everything was settled over a curry and beer at Hebe Haven. They thrived on having amateur pilots sit opposite trained, ruthless management and play business school.
Times have changed and this amateurish approach must change too.
Many have made fun of AT not being able to fly. That isn't her job or her training. She is a manager and negotiator so why do we put forward pilots who think they can manage and negotiate. It's crazy. It also puts these pilots directly in the firing line. Why do it.
Get the professionals in. In the long run it will save jobs, money and maybe the airline itself.