They couldn't, they needed you to sign off on more jumbo RJ outsourcing to keep the DCI plantation system alive and making them money. You came through for them, and didn't insist on much in the way of raises, partly offset by a decrease in profit sharing, so they gave you a contract early. Turns out all you need to do to get an early contract is sell out the next generation of pilots in exchange for single-digit raises! Silly SWA pilots, why didn't they think of that....