If he cannot get measurable savings from union givebacks, he may have to reduce the labor force by eliminating some agencies, Mr. Klein said.

Under the union givebacks, no longer would 21-year-olds or even 25-year-olds hold teams hostage.

Although the lockout ended with significant union givebacks and a slowdown in salary inflation, the wages of players are again growing at a double-digit pace.

As losses mounted, Wolf clamored for union givebacks.

Then there is $441 million in union givebacks.

He has to wrest $65 million in union givebacks or prepare major layoffs.

Once the 2003 budget is settled, the debate will intensify over Mr. Suozzi's demand for union givebacks versus his threatened cuts in other programs.

Disturbed by the extent of union givebacks, Tucker helped devise strategies for putting pressure on management.

Some nursing home executives said, however, that when union givebacks on benefits were included, compensation rose by 2.2 percent to 3.2 percent a year.

And if recent labor-management talks are any guide, the negotiations will be difficult and likely to involve calls for union givebacks.