"The 78 or 80 percent of costs that are represented by personnel, I am not going to ask how that compares with other service industries, but let me just ask: Is that a stable number?"
"There are about half a million retirees right now?"
"But 2 years was more acceptable to GAO. Is that correct?"
"So as Congress would consider policy decisions such as a reduction in service from 6 to 5 days, you could go back to your constituents and explain to them how this is all going to work."
"I think what we just heard, it could cycle on and off. Part of the year, busier times."
"If you go from 6 to 5 days, some of your customers, including your competitors, might be less inclined to use you as a partner for going that last mile."
"Actually, there might even be an opportunity to partner with Members of Congress."
"I was privileged to work with her a couple of years ago on this legislation, and I never thought at the time that we would continue to work on it as much as we have."
"When will that happen?"
"Are you asking for maybe a test drive, a year or so, see how it works out, do you have enough flexibility?"
"And roughly what percent--is the loss greater in First-Class? Where is it the greatest?"