In the latest in a long line of such announcements from major U.S. airline companies, Northwest Airlines announced today that it is laying off 10,000 employees including pilots and mechanics. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association, which represents Northwest's mechanics, has said that it will file a grievance on behalf of its members as the layoffs violate a job security clause in their contract. Although workers are upset about the layoffs and the contract violation, so far their anger does not seem to be directed against the company, which---for the time being---they view as a fellow victim of circumstances.
See Associated Press, The Dallas Morning News, September 20, 2001