This is NOT going to be a popular post. But it is sincere and I hope anyone taking the time to read it will likewise take the time to actually consider the intent before they light up their flame-throwers. It is what it is, though...so have at it:

I personally think SM leaving is an opportunity for Union leadership to put-up or shut-up. I could go on for pages detailing how leadership on both sides of the table has been ineffective. Leaders ALWAYS lead...either they lead in an upward trend...or in a downward trend.

The perpetual ying/yang relationship of good vs evil finger-pointing and blame-roulette has existed between labor and management since the first caveman told the second what to do. And ever since that very first instruction, each has assumed the others incompetence and ulterior motives. The inescapable fact is that we are all in the same boat. Neither can exist without the other. Some get it, some dont. But I digress, let me get back on my heading so that yall can begin hammering me for speaking up.

Union leadership has been continually pointing out how inept management is. That's their job. If the union says anything neutral let alone positive about management, they are branded as turncoats and lynched at the first opportunity. Sometimes their accusations of impropriety and misguidedness are even valid. The current Charlie Foxtrot is a stellar example of how the management got it wrong...way wrong...full deflection, reverse sensing, back-course, gear-down/flaps-up, low-fuel, aft-cg, inverted and pulling back on the stick...kinda-wrong. Gratz on calling that one...but its kinda like telling the CA he's drunk but letting him take the seat anyway.

"I told ya so," is of little consolation. But there is the inevitable argument that "We did all we could." And while we can futilely debate the accuracy of that claim. The point is, yeah, folks did stuff. Yay.

But NOW there is a chance for union leadership to strap-on a cape and bust through the door (like superman...not like the Kool-Aid guy) and say: I told you what you were doing wrong...now I'll show you, and fix it. I can save the day.

Its a make it or break it chance to ___ or get off the pot. Stop arm-chair quarterbacking and get your hand on the ball(s). Its just a business. Run the da(r)n thing and stop sniveling. The board is faced with a choice of putting someone in the seat. It might as well be someone with a plan...and something to prove.

If the union can divert this bird away from its pink line into the ground....Then it can dust itself off and say "I told YOU so" to the board. And all the other boards...airlines...consumers...everyone will pay attention.

Fly it all the way to the gate....

Just my observation.

Very VERY sorry for the impact this is having on anyone and everyone in the industry.