Hi everyone,
US management can petition the court for "emergency" reduction, however, this is only temporary. Management still needs to negotiate with each labor group for a contract with any permanent changes they desire.
Here's the catch...At the end of the negotiating process and a TA is reached (assuming one IS reached), any agreement goes to the individual union for approval, via what ever process that union has in place (leadership ratification, member ratification, etc.). If that union REJECTS the proposals, BOTH parties are released from negotiation, and may immediately enter self-help (IE Lockout or Strike). There is NO 30 day cooling off period, and NO provisions for a PEB or congressional settlement, and the BK judge cannot force employees to remain at work.
Of course, the company is free impose any working conditions they wish, and to go out and hire replacement workers. That's easier said than done in cases where FAA certification or qualification is an issue. First is finding enough people to do it, and even in an abrieviated program takes weeks. You don't just pluck people off the street and plop them into the cockpit or turning wrenches, no matter what their certificates say.
In this case, if just about any of the labor groups reject and walk away, you can bet US will be idled, ensuring its liquidation.
I wouldn't bet on ALPA backing ANY kind of seniority aborgation. It's the bedrock of their contract and a core principle.
Nu