Actually, this isn't going to be a good thing for the FA's. I've known Julie for nearly 20 years. Personally, she's a nice person, professionally, she's one of the toughest lawyers that NW has.

It was a sad day when Hector left. He really tried to bring a decent product to the passengers.

I personally think Suzanne was out of her element. In-flight service has gone steadily down hill. Again my own personal opinion, I don't think Suzanne came up with the idea of her leaving first.

To be fair to Julie, NW is going to give her a budget to work with. She won't get a penny more. She has to be creative. But this position isn't Julie's forte'. I'm sure she didn't sign on to NW to be picking out drinks, menus and how much ice is to be put into each glass. She's a smart woman and works best in the court room, negotiations and beating her foe.

Julie is coming into a position where there is great antagonism and hostility. And many see her as the bad guy. She got the FA contract thrown out.

Doug wants a better labor-management working relationship. Julie is going to have to work hard to change her image if what Doug says is true. Most see her as the one coming in to "clean house." To get rid of those "surly" FA's. I don't see this as a permanent position for her. But she is a company woman through and through and will do what is asked of her.

The next 3 months are either going to get very shakey or smooth out. With the holidays coming up, it's never been a smooth ride.