LTRS, I work in the IT field and have seen jobs outsourced, have seen my friends lose jobs because of the economy, seen friends lose jobs just because the company went belly up. In fact, my own colleagues were laid off because of the economy. So what do I do? Stick to my guns and ask my company to guarantee a contract? Guarantee me my salary when the company has lost money and will do so for the foreseeable future?

I'm well aware that I am expendable, as are 95% other employees. I can either opt for a change in career or look for another job. But I WILL do my best to help my employer survive this downturn, for it benefits both the employees and the employer.

The union's stance can be accurately described as (with due apologies to FTers who've patented this line )
(a): Hold gun to own head
(b): Pull trigger

Not a reason for management to negotiate, when they know these guys won't be around for too long after the walkout.

As for your commentary on Walmart and Sam's Club and the Big 3, I admire your determination. I'm not a big fan or Walmart myself and haven't shopped there in a while, but the similarities between the management at Walmart (making money) and NW (losing money) are tenuous, at best.