They're definitely not back to work, yet. I'd be surprised if the company just hands them their jobs back without making them exhaust the grievance procedure. If the company does make them go all the way to arbitration will the IAM arbitrate all 16 cases? I don't believe the IAM is under any obligation to arbitrate cases, and I've seen them leave people out in the cold before. If the AGC didn't like you, you were screwed....no arbitration. IMO, they arbitrate all these cases if necessary.
Speaking for myself, I'd be very reluctant to point a finger at the AGC or Howell for fear of my personal safety.