Simply greed in its simplistic forms. They figure if the money train will get padded in 2012 and the growth they anticipate in 2013, then why not fatten up their bonuses even more. They probably justify it like this, "The pilot group is only taking a 5% cut, they just received about a 4% raise on December 1st 2011, so really they are only taking a 1% cut from their pay prior to December 1st 2011, and if it mean having more cash on hand to do what we want to do with it, I think our asking of the pilot group is admirable" And this is how they think they're doing the right thing for the company, when all along they are doing it for themselves, because it sounds like things are already in order to make sure the company not only survive, but thrives in the coming years. So in short, they are assuring their bonuses increase year after year with that 5%, and I'm sure some of that 5% will go to continue Phill's consulting fees. Has anybody seen the movie Horrible Bosses? He's like Kevin Spacey!! Just sayin'