I understand that logic. Given that what you get is completely unsustainable, what is your idea to fix it? One way is new people get a sustainable rate and as old people leave, viability improves. Another way is everyone takes a cut to solve viability now. Option three is bring in more money (without increasing expenses at the same rate). Option four is wipe out a bunch of staff so each that remains does well financially but there are far fewer. I think that's about it. All of the options have at least some degree of unpalatability. Digging in heels and saying everybody gets an unsustainable rate of pay and taxpayers should subsidize with no limits is how we got to this cliff. Union will die on the cross to prevent options 1,2 and four as those reduce the union income. Option three is best for employees and union assuming that there is a viable path they can proceed down. That's not simple given a workforce that is paid much more than similar employees at competitors.
Now, don't get me wrong, I am also annoyed at management stringing employees along with the mythical carrot. Having management comp as a percentage of employee comp or profit is a great approach imo. Far too often they think they are special and deserve the moon for breathing. If they want a raise, they can improve the business. If the business is circling the toilet, they get a pay cut as an incentive to fix it.