I suspect they felt that taking a very hard line would send a message to the union. Instead the message that they sent was to dig in your heels.

This is the first pitch in the game of hard ball and I think the union is both angered and not by any means intimidated.

They're getting their message across before bargaining begins in earnest. Showing a lot of visibility and political clout means bargaining will be influenced by not just what happens at the table but what happens in the community.

The court cases reflect that the rat has made its claw marks felt.

If you want to send a message, try Western Union.

We felt this was large enough to send a message.