This episode could of very well been setting up the series for the planned finale producers had in mind when the series would end. The finale would've had the Tribune going out of business due to declining circulation and profits. In this episode Mrs. Pynchon's advisors tell her that if she holds out during the strike the unions, and their workers, will be so broke that they will come crawling back and give the paper major concessions. Mrs. Pynchon, however, disregards their advice and tells them she's not looking to screw over her workers but bargain with them in good faith, thus coming to a compromise with the unions that in the end will maintain many of their benefits while giving the paper some concessions. Her advisors warn her that the deal is going to be a costly mistake for the paper thus setting the series up for its yet to be determined finale. However, after the completion of season five the series was cancelled and thus the planned finale was never filmed.
The episode referenced The Washington Post strike of 1975-1976, in which the paper's union took issue with efforts by then owner and publisher Katharine Graham's efforts to increase profits. The Post ultimately broke the strike by hiring a large number of new employees and also staff members voting to decertify the union.
Mrs. Pynchon joked that someday they will be able to "automate reporters." Decades later, multiple news organizations would roll out artificial intelligence news anchors and writers.