I don't really have a dog in this fight, however I do have an observation or two.

1) I get the feeling that this is so important to the US Air "East" pilots, the people affected are more than ready to run the company into the ground before conceding to this Nicolau decision.

2) Although legally binding arbitration, perhaps a way of progressing further and saving the company much heartache(not for the company's sake, but for their own career's sake), I think it would be in the interest of former America West pilots to try and come to some middle ground on this. If that doesn't happen, I wouldn't want any family member of mine flying on any US Air flight with a combined crew(East with West). Although I know both sides have very professional pilots, I think it would create such a "hostile" work environment which could potentially be unsafe. I'm not saying I think anyone would do anything crazy, but from a CRM perspective, I don't think there will be much between a East/West combined crew as a result of this.

I don't see anything good that will progress from this. Maybe both sides could sue US Air for creating a hostile work environment? Maybe that would be something.