Here's the scenario:
You're at your job, toiling away for the bosses, trying to do your best work. Over in the corner is the person who previously held your job for 12 years. Someone who, based on the statistics, performed your job more successfully than anyone in your company's history.
He doesn't have a contract; heck, he might not even be healthy enough to work again. But he's sitting there, doing the same tasks you're doing. Your bosses are openly discussing plans to bring him back. You nod at the guy, and he nods back, both of you implicitly understanding that the seat underneath you is merely being kept warm for him.