Despite the fact that the FAs just got iced, the reality is that nobody really knows if, and when the NMB is going to release us. We shouldn’t take it for granted, and it would probably behoove the company to do the same.

I could speculate, that if the mediator continues to see company negotiators showing up unprepared and refusing to make meaningful progress, it could only serve to speed up a release. It’s my hope that whoever is advising the higher-ups, also takes into account the possible collateral damage that could ensue from this event. For example, what affect is this going to have on recruiting and retention, on top of the challenges we were already facing?

With a contract that’s three years past due, pulling almost all legal levers available, this was the only other formidable lever for SWAPA. Time for all of us to save, save, save, and educate ourselves on the “repercussions” of crossing a picket line…