Originally Posted by
Old UCAL CA
I hate to be the bearer of unpopular blogosphere tidings but, available cash has minimimal to do with where any company settles a labor contract.
While that may be largely true, the following...
More or less cash does not equate to a better or worse contract.
... is much less so. Profitable companies have better contracts than unprofitable ones.
Settlement points are all about competition and economy in a fiercely competitive business...not cash.
Maybe you're saying the same, but "settlement points" are determined by business decisions. Those decisions might be driven by potential bankruptcy, release to self help, or a realization that continuing under the current contract is detrimental to carrying out the long term business plan, but in the end, it's still just business. On the other hand, I agree with what I think is your overarching point, that anyone thinking management is going to do 'the right thing' just because they've got the cash to do so, is going to be sadly disappointed.