A federal judge handed NWA this ruling as part of their fight against Teamsters Local 2000, which represents the 11,000 flight attendants. Claiming it cancelled more than 300 flights due to a sick-out organized by the flight attendants, the bosses sought court relief from what it called "guerrilla warfare" in labor relations.

The judge ruled the union is violating the Railway Labor Act, which governs the work force at airlines and railroads. Northwest flight attendants are barred from striking until after a government mediator declares an impasse. The Railway Labor Act, like other government labor legislation, serves to string out negotiations and tie up workers with restrictive regulations.

In an attempt to make it a crime to have a discussion in opposition to a contract, Judge Frank cited as evidence in his decision messages posted by flight attendants on their Internet web page.

Members of Local 2000 have been working under a contract extension for more than three years. The National Mediation Board suspended contract negotiations in December. In 1993, the local gave wage concessions when the company cried poverty. They have not won a pay increase since 1986. Some 9,000 mechanics and cleaners at the airline, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, are also without a new contract.

The complaint by Northwest Airlines against Local 2000 names the union, its officers, the coordinators of the union's Contract Action Teams, and Having a Voice in Our Contract committees. In addition, 1-100 John Does and 1-100 Jane Does have also been added in an attempt to intimidate union members not yet named as defendants in the case. In addition, Northwest Airlines has vowed to investigate and discipline hundreds of flight attendants. These investigations are already underway.

The company's efforts to weaken solidarity among flight attendants is not having the desired results. "The action taken by Northwest against our union only increases the unity I feel with my co-workers," a Los Angeles flight attendant and Teamster Local 2000 member said in an interview.

Arlene Rubinstein is a member of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association at NWA in Atlanta.  
 
 
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