I think a lot of you are missing the point of SM's letter. The only reason a CEO would write a letter like that to his employees (knowing EVERYONE will read it) is PRESSURE. It is quite clear what he's saying here: "If we don't get relief from corporate synergy, partner contracts AND LABOR, we will declare BK." This is a threat if I've ever heard one. Even if BK is NOT in our future, it would still benefit the company by threatening it.

Let's say negotiations with Delta and United are actually going well. Releasing that kind of information would not put the kind of pressure the company wants on the labor groups. It would send a clear message to us AND our mainline partners that if there is no relief, drastic measures will be taken.

I honestly believe that our 5% would make little or no difference in fixing our company's financial problems. However, I DO believe that re-negotiating CPA's with Delta and United WILL fix most of it. They are at the negotiating table right now and need to threaten parking airplanes (by declaring BK) and force them to give back. They are using the same tactic with us. Let's say all the 9E 900's and 9L Q's got parked TOMORROW. What do you think Delta/United would do? It is a VERY effective way to force them to come to the table.

Telling your labor groups that things are "progressing well in negotiations" would be foolish for SM to do. However due to the sensitivity of it and the NDA's the MEC has signed there would be no way of knowing exactly where we stand.

Don't fall for the scare tactic. Vote NO to concessions.