Originally Posted by
EWR764
The fact that United's operation has completely fallen apart in the last few weeks is the result of a confluence of factors, all of which are discussed in this thread. Ignoring the labor discontent is as silly as suggesting that the sole causal factor is management's "80% mandate".
The high number of RTG (return to gate) delays / cancellations, and board / deboard / cancel reports, seem to indicate -- circumstantially -- that aircraft are being delivered to the line allegedly ready to fly, but flight crews discover issues during preflight or taxi which demonstrate otherwise. That does not seem to point to a mechanics' slowdown. That seems like a labor force that does not have enough time to keep the fleet airworthy given the demands of the schedule.