I think UAL has shown that you can play hardball on slashing labor costs. You don't need to dance around. You wield a powerful stick that can force labor groups to accept draconian cuts.

United had suggested that it was on a glide path to emerging from bankruptcy. This suggests there is more turbulence ahead. This continues to dog United.

This summer, (airlines) should be fine because capacity is going to be tight. There should be plenty of passengers to fill up the planes.

I think the public is now conditioned to expect air fare bargains.

Now it's a matter of damage control for the union. They may be looking for a face-saving maneuver to rejuvenate the membership, while avoiding the permanent loss of jobs.

For our union to succeed on behalf of our members, we must be part of a revitalized and dynamic labor movement that connects with a new generation of workers struggling in the 21st century's global economy,