Question from watching this from the outside. What exactly is the arbitrator going to rule on? Under RLA he does not have authority to write new language on an grievance, he can only interpret the existing CBA. If there is no language allowing the NEA, then an arbitrator can not give that to the company. The company can not just go to an arbitrator and say "hey we really need this but our contract does not allow it" and expect the arbitrator to award that.