Hm..
Aren't the unions threatening with some form of industrial action in a few weeks?
Then I find this message more than a "coincidence"
Perhaps a threat in disguise of what will be the outcome if "costs" are increased due to new agreements and "loss of profits" in case of industrial actions.
Then when they are axing bases and employees they have a very "good" scapegoat, simply blame the unions.
Just some random speculations.