Frenchie,
I would also concur with "onewhoknows". For starters David Gunn now sends monthly financial reports to Congress. Reports that have impressed one of Amtrak's greatest critics, John McCain. He still may not like Amtrak and want to see it dead, but he's not complaining about hidden numbers anymore or mismanagement. If there was a huge increase in the works for management, it would show up in those reports and someone would call him on it.
Secondly your statement flies in the face of David having canned close to 200 managers, including one of the most senior managers at Amtrak, Stan Bagely. He's not giving anyone money, but in fact trying to bring Amtrak's expenses under control.
Third, from all info that I've seen lately David is willing to talk money if and when the unions are willing to talk about some rule changes. So far all reports suggest that the unions won't even consider talking about rules changes.
I don't wish to appear harsh here, as I do realize that Amtrak workers are amoungst the lowest paid workers within the RR industry. But life is full of give and take. Both sides have to bend or the system doesn't work.
Finally, I have to ask what does anything discussed in your original post have to do with Senator Istook? :blink: You mention Senator Istook in the title, yet I for the life of me can't figure out what anything discussed here has to do with Mr. Istook.