There are other components that increase the value of it beyond just the hourly pay rate cut.

The Enterprise Linux 8-License Value pack from HP and Novell is a compelling new option for customers since it marries premier hardware platforms from HP to the industry's most secure and most scalable Linux operating system, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. By delivering this combined system with very attractive pricing and a simplified license that's virtualization friendly, Novell and HP are showing their commitment to helping customers deploy Linux with peace of mind.

We believe there is still some question regarding the need for that particular level of savings and there are many questions about how Northwest values some of the concessions they are demanding from pilots.

Our goal is a consensual agreement, but we're not willing to give management things it wants but does not really need. If management demands remain excessive we may be forced into a situation where we have no choice (but strike). There are limits to what employees will do.

It's a very difficult situation. We're trying to make the best of it, preserve the benefits pilots have earned and provide them a benefit in the future.

It's conceivable they could replace some (Northwest) flying and not violate the contract.