What I don't understand is how G4 can continue to say that ALL of this is sumply our contract negotiating efforts.

We aren't throwing a handful of ball bearings and thumbtacks into an engine intake during preflight so that we can leverage our position at the table. From jacked up payroll to the trainwreck that is best known as Merlot, this is typical of Allegiant when it comes to taking responsibility. And to say that we have "an exemplary safety record" is a stretch.
We have skilled crews more like it. That save scores of lives, Maury and the shareholders every time a JT8 comes unwound or an elevator jams. Buuuuuut, I guess you can't say THAT to the press.
No sir, the pilots might take a statement like THAT and leverage it.