As I have worked for several US and international companies in the past, take all you can get. A better contract with better pay and conditions, great. Position is a relevant thing. Those at the top are the ones holding the cards and this is just a big playground to them. If you can make strategic friends, all the better. Friends of the bosses are bad as they won't risk their positions to people who are better suited as they have that job. It is better to have something on the company like knowledge they need to further you progression. Only share information you learn with those who really matter. Site directors actually live in fear as they are just a minor extension of the real management.

Trust is a big thing. If you carefully watch and listen, you will know if colleagues on all levels progressed by integrity, or by screwing their colleagues. I have seen talented people I greatly respected get the axe because they really cared about others. In business, the company comes first, and you are still just a number. Regardless of what you are told. And as far as blackmail goes, remember that those you try to work over may have more practice.