The planes, such as short-range Airbus A320 jets and ATR turboprops, have sat idle on tarmacs across Indian airports since Kingfisher was grounded following an employee strike in October.

WSJ: India's Kingfisher Airlines Comes Under More Pressure From Banks

Because it's illegal for public employee unions in New York state to strike, the 2005 work stoppage led to a range of sanctions from which the TWU is still recovering.

WSJ: Union Terms MTA Tactics 'An Outrage'

Hence, he says, his take-it-or-leave-it offer in September to PAL's three unions: a 20% employee stake in the company plus three seats on the 15-member board - in exchange for a commitment not to strike for 10 years and cuts in employee benefits that would add up to half of take-home pay.

CNN: PHILIPPINE AIR GETS GROUNDED