Well, I have no actual labor experience, let alone labor experience in the airline industry - - but couldn't this be the same kind of hand-to-the-fire labor negotiating that has occurred in other airlines in desperate straits?

<< why would AF agree to buy and continue to operate "the loss-making" ground service operation? >>

ummm... because they would get some other concession in exchange? It seems like it's all about "solidarity" - - whether one (or more) "brotherhood" of workers is willing to concede something to save something (like their entire livelihoods?) for another "kindred group" of fellow workers.

Isn't that how these seemingly borderline-suicidal negotiations go?