We've asked management that question (when a new contract would be imposed) and they haven't given us an answer. It could be immediately or they could use it for additional leverage at the bargaining table.
We're looking better today than yesterday. Progress has been made, but there is still a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time.
If the union leadership decides to call a strike, there will be no 30-day cooling off period.
We viewed it as a matter of when, not if.
We have been preparing for expedited negotiations. We continue to meet with NWA management and believe we can reach a negotiated settlement, but only if management doesn't overreach in negotiations.
There has been progress made in some areas. We still unfortunately remain far apart on many other issues including equity, sick leave and retirement benefits.
There has been no significant movement at the table.
We are very confident we have the legal right to strike.
Progress has been made in some areas, but there is still a lot of work to do in a short amount of time. Our goal is to reach an agreement, but that will depend on management's actions at the negotiating table.
Northwest pilots are prepared for all possibilities. They all understand that a strike is a lose-lose situation. I'd say any lengthy strike would liquidate Northwest airlines.
Northwest management has a tendency to misjudge the will of the pilots group.
It's the judge's discretion what to do. It's impossible to predict what will happen. Is extending the bargaining possible? Yes.
The bankruptcy threat is real. As you know, we have been preaching for two years now about Northwest's financial troubles.
If we are to reach an agreement, management has to stop overreaching.
Hopefully, the extra time will allow us to reach a consensual agreement. There is a lot to be accomplished in a short amount of time.
All issues remaining have been discussed before. There is a chance we could reach a tentative agreement, but the final pieces of the puzzle need to be put in place.