Ok agreed. But AMR has just demonstrated that number 1 is not an option. That leaves number 2 -- agree to a new contract or number 3 -- elimination of the current CBA -- in which case AMR is free to dictate the terms conditions of employment. They've now shown what those terms and conditions will look like.

You rightfully make the point that the judge can't impose something in between the status quo and the complete elimination of the CBA. So if push comes to shove, the judge via 1113 will vacate the current contract because leaving the current contract in place will simply not be feasible. Therefore, the APA is negotiating with a gun to their head and has very little leverage to improve upon this proposal. It will improve some, but not by leaps and bounds. As others have pointed out, this is NOT normal negotiations.