I've been following this thread (as a member of a different Union) from overseas with interest. I found this bit fascinating:
The Judge stated that his knowledge of Labor Law was practically nil, but by March 10th, 2005 he was going to learn everything he could about the subject.
What kind of profession would put someone like this in such a responsible position? A bit like a CAA or FAA examiner admitting "I've never flown helicopters, but I'm going to convert and learn all about them before I come and check you and your company next month". Sometimes you just have to love the legal eagles, don't you?