Pros
As a bargaining unit employee the best part about working at NWA is that you have a set schedule (weekends and evenings off), you get most paid holidays, vacation time (unfortunately vacation and sick time), cheap medical and dental benefits (we pay a small amount compared to most individuals in the working world; however, the company used to pay for them in full), a set pay grade so you know exactly what you'll be getting and when, and plenty of opportunity to move up if you aren't in some kind of trouble.
Cons
Dress code is a big con. I do not believe it has been modified more than twice since the company's origin in 1955. It is especially ridiculous for offices that do not see customers at all. Business attire; however, they recently omitted the rule that women had to hosiery with slacks and men having to wear ties every day. That was definitely a step in the right direction. Great leadership is hard to come by at NWA. There are many supervisors and departments I do not want to work under or work under again because of their views or how they lead. Some are great, on top of the game, fair, and understanding. Others are at times rude, inefficient, and have absolutely no compassion. That being said, it is hard to gage what is really coming from that individual and how much of it is influenced by upper management and company policy. All of the management team is not bargaining unit and often it feels like a rivalry of bargaining unit vs the company. Another disappointment of working at NWA is the time clock policies. It has gotten to a point where it feels like the company is attempting to gain control by insisting that everyone clock out every time they leave their desk for a non-work related engagement (bathroom visit, daily breaks, personal emergency, etc.). That attempt at control is very oppressing for employees, especially those of us who take pride in working hard. I could go on with more cons about working at NWA, but all anyone needs to know is that the environment can at times be hostile and draining. There are ridiculous policies you will have to follow and may frustrate the hell out of you, but if you can look beyond that and survive there is a life to live outside NWA.