I think the point is: NW is asking many employees to take large cuts if they want the company to stay in business.

The OP wants to know if this is one bad apple, or if it's commonplace.

It sure used to be commonplace 10+ years ago - many FA viewed it as an entitlement. I've heard stories from many ex-FAs about late night parties fueled by minis. I suspect it's far far less comon now.