So many "fallen flags" would have avoided bankruptcy in the 60's and 70's if the unions hadn't forced wage increases and ridiculous manning levels on the carriers.
Look at Montana Rail Link. The BN spun them off as a 2-man crew company to get around the stupid 5-man crew and caboose BS under the UTU. And both workers and the company were very happy with it.
The thuggish unions of the 60s and 70s did so much harm. The free market was the way to save jobs and save railroads. But it's too late, the marginal carriers collapsed, and now we are stuck with just the BunSniff and the Yellow thing.
So sad.