Maybe this letter is a peek behind the curtain into the way things used to be done there. Perhaps each of the 2 (really only 2 big) LECs would hear a rumor of bad news that was about to affect them and begin to protest loudly in public while bargaining furiously and individually with management in private to mitigate or eliminate the purported bad thing. Thereby currying favor with both sides all while wrapping themselves in the "I'm-just-representing-my-constituents" flag.

Honestly; just speculation not trying to ignite anything.