This is my take:
Airline managements see profits for the forseeable future, not uncertainty.
They dont want to share the profits, or as much if they dont have to-
They like known costs.
They are trying every past trick in the book to "get stable" amd keep costs linear
Sign today and get new jets, sign today and at the sacrifice of profit sharing, get the highest rates ever ( but u morons will really be funding ur own raise)
Sign today or else risk going in long negotiations.
Sign today and allow us to get an extension- blah blah blah and we will just make section 6 draaaaaaag out in the future.
Mgmnt doesnt want us to have a decent contract if negotiations stall amd we can hold certain items they desperately need to function and expand internationally.
The correct answer is, ill listen but my answer is going to be no u til u make me say yes... That simple
Record profits? Show me record appreciation