My brother works for NWA. It seems to be the most toxic airline that I have ever seen. I honestly do not think there will be a winner in this, regardless of what the stews do. All I can say is I wish you all well and I hope the stews are thinking clearly. :blink:...I always say this upfront, but I don't believe in strikes. I believe in finding a new job.
HOWEVER, we are where we are and this is how it is. With that said, I can't imagine any judge saying that it was OK for NW to ditch the process laid out in the RLA but then use it as their defense against a strike. You can't have it both ways. NW's position was to start the process and when it didn't work, go to the judge and get their way. Well, why is it not fair for the F/A's to say much the same...we tried the process, it didn't work, we're going a different route. Not only that, but the F/A's didn't impose their way right away as NW did.
As for the ATA & other airlines supporting NW, it's a long term vision thing. "What if this were us?" Especially AA who hasn't entered bankruptcy. If they have to (a possibility still), they want to know that they won't have this hanging out there. Suddenly the game changes and it would become VERY hard to get financing until you've gotten all of your labor contracts in order. Until now, they could tell a lender that it was illegal and has to be fought...now it is out there.