Speed Gibson

I'm not a union advocate, but I think the union had little choice but to go on strike against Northwest Airlines. I don't see how it can succeed on its face, but it was the only real exit strategy the union had. Their world of above-market wages, benefits, and job security is gone, strike or no strike. Even by conceding, half their membership gets laid off and the rest get significant pay cuts. They might as well go out with a bang, not a whimper. It's a better story to tell on your next job. Given the poor labor record in particular and the poor management in general of NWA, I'd rather swing than take a called strike three.

Unless a plane or two falls out of the sky, the replacement workers are here to stay. NWA had no trouble finding them and they're happy to have the jobs. The lesson here is that we are ultimately corporations of one, at least in the private sector.