VTECH,
The HEAD of the negotiating committee told me the last pay package was a net loss...
.... based on "not keeping up with inflation." It was more money. It was a raise. It was a bigger number. It just didn't keep up with iniflation so it was a "net loss." Was that his judgment? OK. I understand the argument. Keep telling yourself that and point me to all the other recent contracts that have kept up with inflation.
Did he also tell you the proposal being put out for a vote is the most he and the team he has worked with to put this proposal together can get from management and that going back to the table will not result in a better offer? If he didn't, go talk to him again and let us all know what he says.