Does he? Im not defending him but these problems seem prevalent throughout the entire airline. It seems as if direction comes from the top on how all departments are to be managed and it also seems rather obvious that budgets likely don't fully allow them to do what needs to be done. This airline is great at making everyone think we are better than everyone else, the AMEX deal, building great lounges and a robust TechOps business. But when it comes to operational knowhow, the ball is dropped. And thats because since we are largest unionized group at the airline there is a need "rein us in" no matter the cost. They don't respect our contract to show us, the non-cons and perhaps Wall Street that they don't have to. I dont think it's any pilot's desire to hold the company hostage, especially if it hurts customers, ruins our reputation or cuts into profitability but we have a contract for a reason. If they ever start seeing the value in investing in us rather than viewing cooperation as capitulation, things will likely improve and still not be as expensive as what they've spent on trip coverage.