Aside from the reasons for the dispute, mismanaged
PR etc. what I can't understand is why the controllers are effectively working to rule with their airline customers, no flexibility, no direct routings, know of a case today of ONE aircraft on frequency routing to a regional airport, asked for a direct routing, NO SIR not today, proceed as planned, must have added an extra five minutes. Your gripe is with the IAA, it has been a devastating time for the industry economically, and over the last month with WX cancellations, why make it even more difficult for the airlines, this action achieves nothing, it may however contribute to further traffic dilution!