I have been meaning to write about Northern air travel for quite awhile now, and I can't wait any longer.

Going to the Greatest Indoor Trade Show last weekend has reaffirmed my views. Even in times of trouble, First Air and Canadian North were front and centre, handing out goodies, talking to the public, and supporting yet another community event. Air Canada and Westjet were nowhere to be seen.

Both of our "Northern" airlines have recently had to cancel routes and reduce flight frequency on low yield, high passenger load routes. These low yields are a direct result of the price wars created by Westjet's attempt to outrun Air Canada. Unfortunately, First Air and Canadian North are caught in the middle. What many people may not understand is that the big southern airlines can take a loss on low yield routes because they more than make up for it by carrying passengers onward to other southern destinations. You certainly don't see them flying to our smaller Northern communities! And worse, residents in small communities have to pay more than before and have lost their connections to southern routes, because you can be sure that Air Canada and WestJet don't care how long passengers wait for them to connect to the south.

What used to be a one-day medical trip to Edmonton could now take up to three days - and I thought we were trying to reduce health care costs?

The GNWT is looking for ways to attract residents in an effort to increase the transfer payments we get from the federal government, yet it allows (and in some cases even uses) these southern airlines to carry on business. Meanwhile, Northerners are losing jobs - good paying union jobs! If you are a union member your wages are a direct result of the collective bargaining gains made by your union. Please use these wages wisely and support your sisters and brothers working in unionized airlines. WestJet does not have a union.

Also, countless community organizations and groups have relied on the amazing generosity of First Air and Canadian North to aid in their fundraising, provide free tickets, offer reduced rates for sporting teams, and even sponsor major community events. If you have ever been the recipient of this generosity - and I dare say all of us have in one way or another - think first before you fly!

You can bet that once the price wars are over and the dust settles, a round trip fare to Edmonton will be back up to well over $800 even on which ever southern carrier wins the war.

Pillows, blankets, newspapers, hot towels, chicken or beef, complimentary wine, enough leg room, friendly Northern flight attendants - ahhh, the good old days! You can help bring them back.

• Mary Lou Cherwaty is president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour