And some more, this time Delta's own DCI guy saying that without cuts, Comair shrinks. With cuts, Comair grows...



Moreover, Delta may place into service additional large 70-seat regional jets–and even larger RJs with up to 76 seats. Delta would have to consider placing these new aircraft at Comair’s competitors and “grow” the competitors instead of placing such valuable assets at Comair where they would produce less profit.
. . . If Comair does not obtain the labor cost reductions it seeks, then its cost structure will not be competitive with the other Delta Connection carriers. In this industry, and at this time, having an uncompetitive cost structure will mean that Comair will have no opportunity for growth, and, indeed, will mean that Comair cannot survive as a viable regional airline. Simply put, unless Comair can reduce its controllable costs to competitive levels, it does not make business sense to continue Comair flying for Delta.
. . . If Comair can restructure itself so that its controllable costs are competitive, Delta should be able to increase, rather than decrease, the flying it contracts to Comair. This would mean that Comair would have an opportunity to grow, rather than shrink. With growth would come new job opportunities, and reduced unit costs, as more junior employees are added, and reduced unit overhead costs as the same facilities and overhead could be used to perform more flying.
. . . I am familiar with Comair’s restructuring plans, including its plan to reduce its controllable costs–both labor and non-labor. If Comair is able to restructure in accordance with its restructuring plans, I believe that Comair will be able to perform Delta Connection flying at a competitive price. Accordingly, I believe that the labor cost reductions in Comair’s business plan are necessary–indeed, essential–to Comair’s successful restructuring.

They got the cuts they asked for. Where's Comair's growth?