Originally Posted by hummingbear

[size=12pt]First of all I totally agree that the union’s very recent track record hurts our ability to paint this as an executive failure. This underscores the importance of replacing them w/ new players who can better represent the message that we won’t settle for less than we deserve. Let’s be honest, if TUMI was a representative failure, it was certainly a wake up call that we all need to be better involved in our representative system than we have been.[/size]

Having said that, SK’s claim that Delta set a good bar must be measured against his frequently stated desire to be an industry leader. He could easily make an industry leading offer without waiting for other airlines to set the standard, he just doesn’t seem willing to do that. That is his failure. Words are cheap & no cause for celebration until they are translated into action. We absolutely should be opposed to this industry following “wait & see” policy. Yeah, it sucks that we hurt our messaging so badly by being uninvolved & disorganized, but the best thing we can do about that is to get on message quick & get on message right.

Lastly, anyone who thinks picketing pilots should have been shaking hands & engaging w/ SK needs to understand that this is 100% the time for a “my union speaks for me” mentality. The purpose of a picket is not to have the CEO come listen to your personal frustrations & make you feel heard & validated individually. (Trust me, a career businessman is better at making you see his perspective than you will be at changing his mind.) It is solely intended to encourage him to come to the negotiating table in good faith. That’s where we get heard. (Again, this is where the importance of electing representatives we can have confidence in becomes glaring.) The strength of a union is that we don’t function as 15,000 individual pieces- we speak with one voice. It’s true Scott is not Smisek or Tilton or Frank Lorenzo. In general I like his vision for the airline & I do think we have the elements for a good union/executive working relationship. But that has to start with rolling up his sleeves & getting this deal done right; and right now. Contract first, United next.