[throw-the-towel]

> Eventually this turns into a comp conversation. A senior engineer says “I want a 40% raise or I’m leaving,”...

...and the company says "fine, we'll replace you with AI / wanted a layoff anyway".

[awakeasleep]

Whats your background in the industry, where this seems plausible?

[doublescoop]

As someone with 20 years in the industry, it seems absolutely plausible. Stupid, but entirely within the realm of possibility. The people making these calls have no loyalty to their company; they have loyalty to their own career. And if doing this is something that gives them a win and they can be gone by the time the consequences some around... it'll happen.