Pros

People who work there are normal, hardworking, decent folks. The engineers and mid level managers have a good sense of camaraderie. We tend to be "of a type" with lots in common, in hobbies, community involvement, and other interests inside and outside work. There are many pockets of excellence that are or should be recognized industry wide. The company is, occasionally, willing to take some risks. Payscale and most of the benefit package is quite good for people with seniority, less so for more recent hires.

Cons

Very poor planning and accountability at upper levels of management. Lack of understanding of support requirements, lack of engagement in decisions up front. Shoot the messenger mentality at upper levels accompanied by a victim mentality at lower levels causes a vicious feedback loop. Conflict between union and non-union management is unnecessary and short-sighted on both sides, but I imagine that's the same in most of those relationships.

Advice to Senior Management

Get involved early in and accept responsibility for the execution of projects. Manage to a real budget and priority list. Drive change with plans and strategies, not with objectives.