I was going to post something, but AL R has said what I was going to say and more eloquently as well.
So, if you'll excuse me for one moment, I'll descend into the vernacular...
Shafting someone in this way is the work of an utter cnut and that applies to everybody that could have intervened, bent, twisted or otherwise effected a better outcome for said people.
To those that are still serving (and I've said this before)...look after yourself, your families, and your mates first.
Matter of fact I heard this on Sky Sports from a well known and controversial character yesterday...
"I'm all for people making as much as they can while they can, whatever their job. In this world, we are all pieces of meat, and once we are used up our employers won't give a sh1t"
I don't find this quote remotely cynical...just bleakly, starkly realistic.