That doesn't explain their behavior though. Its very reasonable and even common to have big ticket QOL improvements phased in. If we get significant vaca day (pay and credit for the LCW is mandatory) it wouldn't take effect for the 2020 vacation year. It could go to 4:15 for 2021 and 5:15 for 2022 for example. Gives them plenty of time to prepare for it without effecting summer 2020 in the slightest. Same for just about everything else. DH QOL improvements could take effect immediately (or after a fake delay for IT implimentation LOL gotta love that one).

So getting through just this summer doesn't seem like the reason. Also if its tue that they slid a POS section 23 across the table with even the smallest of concessions as some are saying, they may really think we're dumb enough (or can be bullied through the threat of lost TVM) to give them more prodctivity (aka QOL hits) to get whatever 6/3/3 they think we'll bite off on. Nope. QOL has to improve and much of it has to undo the QOL shredding optimizer "we didn't think they'd do that" hits that have occured since the last contract.

Now your other point about them simply pocketing their designed delay of QOL impovements is certainly valid. Those private islands aren't going to buy themelves.