Wouldn't it be easiest for the company to say "we can't afford this, so unless you sign something to say while on a base you don't request it (the leave), you've forced us to close the base"
umm. which part of
"
It would perhaps also be appropriate to point out that the Company is examining the overall concept and execution of bases from a strategic perspective. This has particularly been occasioned by the significant costs incurred of late."
don't you understand? That is
exactly what they're saying.