I would normally agree the picketing is a bit of a waste but I do know that when you time it just before Christmas and you get the propper news coverage it has a way a hitting the airline where it hurts the most. Delta isn't going to like the negative publicity. Even though it's informational in nature, as soon as joe public sees pilots marching with signs, they will go out of there way to avoid that airline for fear their flight won't leave. This will have a financial impact on the airline. That serves as an incentive. Will it be a powerful enough of one? Doubtful. Especially if Mesaba and Colgan aren't going to help out.
This whole thing has just convinced me that the Mesaba MEC is still ignorant as to who it is they are negotiating with. The tactic is an old one and it's obvious. They will continue to make progress until the holidays are past then it peters out and the pilots are left standing there holding there wangs with nothing to show for there efforts. 9E management just has to squeek by the holiday travel rush then the pressure is off. I always understood that it's better to learn from others mistakes then to make them yourself. I guess the XJ MEC missed that advice from their parents. They've had 6 years to see the process as it's been applied to 9E and yet they are willing to fall for the same old gag themselves at the first opportunity. Or should I say 2nd or 3rd? I can't remember how many deadlines have passed now. Let the holidays sneak by, lose that ace up your sleeve. Swing and a miss. I thought you guys were supposed to be hot $hi# or something? Maybe just $hi#.