Those that have been affected were not able to demand any pay rise each year, they had been subjected to a pay freeze on more than one occasion in the past and simply had to be grateful for the 2-3% they were given from time to time. whilst those around them on EBA's managed to squeeze double figures.
You get dead wood in any organisation. Although the dead wood you refer to often pulled a rabbit out of the hat to save the day, when all appeared lost.
My predictions are not based on any scientific theory, more simple facts from a couple of people very much in the know.
Only time will prove me right or wrong. I am not a betting man, but if the bookies were taking bets, I think even a scientific theory would be backing my prediction.