[monocasa]

I'll throw out there that strikes are never for sure averted until the time for the strike has passed. Wildcat strikes where the deal negotiated isn't accepted by the masses of the striking workers and they strike anyway are always an option. The West Virginia teachers' strike a few years back went wildcat pretty soon, with the teachers continuing to strike after not accepting the deal the union negotiated. The union was then able to get a better deal for the teachers.