The way I see this, it’s like getting a raise at the start of negotiations while we negotiate real pay rates.

For example, if we weren’t in an impending merger and the company comes to us in March when the contract becomes amendable and say we will offer you a raise now while we negotiate the real pay rates. Instead of being stuck at current pay rates while we negotiate for 2-3 years we get a nice raise, who would say no to that?

This is basically what’s happening, we are getting a raise all the while having more rounds of negotiations coming in the next couple years with the merger. And we will be then negotiating with B6 who have at least shown they are willing to pay. And if the merger doesn’t go through we go straight back to the table negotiating.

Just my two cents.