How can you call current pay "irrelevant"? That is what the guy is making today. That's almost the definition of the word "relevant".

If you're implying that an Arbitrator wouldn't consider their new contract to be relevant . . . . I think in terms of pay protection they most certainly would use 2010 rates, not 2001 rates- it wouldn't make sense to pay protect someone for less than they are already making.

Regardless, I don't think an Arbitrator (or three) will bump anyone out of their seat. If you expect that to happen, you are likely to be disappointed.