Pros
Not really as bad as Afghanistan and the benefits are better than unemployment, NWA will deliver what is agreed to in your employment contract. The benefits they offer are the shining star NWA gets as an employer from this employee's perspective. The single shining star that bumps them to two stars in my opinion actually, with one star being reserved for the jobs I had when my choice was that or the street.
Cons
This is still the second worst job I have ever had. I had to laugh when I saw another reviewer suggest it was better than working at the Starbucks across the street, which is the same Starbucks I went to every day to be cheered up and remain hopeful that all workplaces aren't like NWA. I came in "off the streets" and got their typical sales pitch - NWA let me know that it is strong and growing and there will be many opportunities available for my growing career. I was super excited at the opportunity to make a positive contribution to a flourishing and proud Northwest-based company experiencing growing pains. I soon found out that the career opportunities they referred to were more theoretical than actual. I had the opportunity to apply for an advertised salaried position with anyone else "off the streets." The only thing I got from NWA for my career the entire time I was there was the only thing I had when I walked in the door, and every opportunity that became available above me while I was there was already filled with someone upper management wanted before I even knew the position existed. I accepted a pay cut at this job for the benefits and career opportunity at a strong employer, and my pay never came to market and I finally realized my time there was a waste for my personal career. The cherry on the cake was the extremely negative work environment I had to be in the entire time I was there. I went to NWA wanting to make a positive change, and I left having been changed by the negative environment. If I had to give an opinion about what is most broken about this workplace, it would probably be the "us" versus "them" mentality with "us" being the inner circle and "them" being everyone else. Upper management has an "inner circle" - members, family and friends will have a completely different experience than other employees because it is quite clear that the company is only for their benefit. That probably explains why the reviews on Glassdoor.com are so extreme between reviewers. Obviously former employees are going to be more negative in their reviews, but that doesn't mean they are writing these reviews just to be a former disgruntled employee. This place is a seriously unpleasant work environment for most employees. If you are lucky enough to be in the inner circle, don't leave! Basically, if there was ever an employer where you needed to get it in writing, this is the one. Do not expect more than what's on paper. Anything that you get beyond that depends on specific company politics to which most employees will not be privy.