I appreciate the contribution of your perspective.

Were Delta and Pan Am both ALPA? If so, we're talking apples and oranges.

With two separate bargaining units each union has to start at the extreme in order to keep their members from accusing them of failing to try to represent their best interests. But over time, an accord can be reached. How much time? Depends ... could be months, but certainly more than three days!

The continuous accusations of SWA arrogance for demanding a staple job ... and the similar arrogance of FAPA for their also completely unrealistic demands ... lingers solely because there was never the opportunity to reach a negotiated agreement. It was left hanging with the two sides still far apart creating the illusion that there would never have been an agreement.

So, from my perspective, the biggest lesson learned here is that negotiating in public is a bad thing ....