This is nonsense. Management makes out like bandits because pilots believe they can force another $2 out of them in a pay rate. They cry poor to the NMB, they stonewall, and five years later you end up with an extra couple of bucks. In the meantime, management has saved multi-millions, and they laugh at you as they sign on the dotted line, happy as can be.
The path to successful pattern bargaining in a deregulated environment is executing a series of smaller victories. Trying for the big jumps in pay and the complete CBA re-writes is exactly what management wants you to do.
Unfortunately, this is the attitude of the majority and it will never change. I get it! Defeatist attitude..... The same people, who during the last round said, "aaahhhh, the mediator will park us". True, he would have, only because our guys f'd up; I'm not going to explain how. Go ask for yourself.
Why does the company want to settle with us, right now?!?! Because they are merciful and graceful? Better wait until hell freezes over. In any case, all this doesn't really matter; it's just entertainment for most people. When the TA comes out, it will pass and history will repeat itself.