The wait allows the staffing debacle to get full light. If we would have settled early there would have been 0 QOL items and probably gives. The reduction in hiring rumor works in our favor because there's no more "productivity need." As for the cycle, covid is real and a 4% raise 2x for non-cons was real. My 4/4/12 retro is well within the zone as proven by Delta. If you are saying we are short for holding out, reference Scoops post. More in follow on years will compound on the higher (inflation adjusted) rates. Had we settled before the inflation rise we would be behind. Now we have the data to make it right. Inflation +5%, minimum. You can count on that. And if your with me I'll hold out for your retro of $3B.