Just thinking out loud...letting my mind explore the what if's and deep thoughts...

Curious....retro is much like a tax return. The funds are out on loan until collected at the end of the tax season. Wouldn't a management that is worth anything have already budgeted in the cost of retro when costing out a contract agreement? If so, if a "NO" prevails, wouldn't said funds still be available in the company coffers for the next time? Also, if the retro comes this year with a "YES", isn't it taxed as regular W-2 income vs. a bonus tax rate that would apply to it being paid out next year? Does ALPA get a different amount of said payments if its paid as W-2 vs. a "Bonus"....