Northwest flight attendants 'down but not out'

Northwest's flight attendants' union filed an appeal on Monday to overturn Friday's injunction barring them from striking the bankrupt carrier.

Predictably, the Association of Flight Attendants remains strident, vowing to continue planning for CHAOS (Create Havoc Around Our System) as the appeal works its way through the court system.

Referring to the court-imposed ban on striking,

the union's website

promises, "Down But Definitely Not Out, CHAOS Strike Preparations Continue During Appeal."

So far, there's been no indication when the appeal might be heard or ruled on.

In recent weeks, there's been a ruling from the judge overseeing Northwest's bankruptcy that confirmed the flight attendants' right to strike, followed by a temporary injunction from an appeals court judge suspending that right, followed by a permanent injunction to the same effect, followed by this latest appeal.

In theory, such back-and-forth may be in the best interests of the parties in conflict.

In this case, though, it does a disservice to travelers—Northwest customers in particular—who are left to wonder and worry whether their upcoming flights will be delayed or cancelled.