One of the big reasons for the operational problems the airline finds itself in right now is the fact that too many people on the customer service side took the last buyout. Many of the people who were primarily responsible for the fierce loyalty many of us have had (until recently) to US Airways took their shot and jumped. As a result, any savings which might have been realized by having senior folks leave was obliterated by the very lack of their presence.
I continue to believe that the issue is not wages, it is productivity and operational efficiencies. Things like scheduling, more efficient use of aircraft AND aircrew, making sure there is proper coverage at the right times, and perhaps keeping crews with aircraft--all things which have been discussed and poo pooed before, would probably save the company enough money to give some back to the fine folks on the front line.
That said, I fear any further buyouts will have the opposite of the desired effect. There is a balance, however, in that there are some folks who really need to move on....such as the 28 yr FA mentioned above. I don't wish anyone to lose their job, but maybe in some cases it's for the best.
Without having better labor relations, there is no hope to save this place. You can't have happy customers without happy employees, and you can't have a company without customers.
My BEST to you all....