I just read the post about the UAL guys getting a big raise and doing less flying some time ago..........
It sounds like some of you blame unions for negotiating the best contracts they can, and thus it's the fault of unions that the industry is in the shape its in.
Back to industial/labor relations 101, unions try to obtain the best deal for their people, and management tries to pay as little as possible to its employees for the services they provide.
Now if management agrees to a contract which it knows it can't afford it is MANAGEMENTS fault!
Its pretty much common sense, when business is good and companies are growing and making money, and unemployment is low, labor is going to have an advantage in negotiations, when unemployment is up and companies are losing money labor is going to feel the heat to make concessions, etc.
Now in response to some earlier comments about my previous post,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Corporations and big business are a crucial part of our American system, but people have to remember businesses exist to make money: not to help their employees, not to be fair, not to be concerned about the environment, and not to be concerned about social justice..........
That is why, in a civilized society, you need unions and government regulations to serve as checks and balances to corportate power.