Originally Posted by
tomgoodman
BOTH sides might fear it because the results are so unpredictable, as we have seen recently. In addition, going to arbitration gives up MEMRAT and any carrots management has neglected to remove from the table. Negotiators always claim that a "fair" arbitrator would surely support their position, but they also conceal their fears, lest they give the other side a bargaining advantage.
While what you say holds true for most senarios, I still contend that the NW pilots don't fear arbitration since they are the ones who are advocating for it.