There was already an arbitration award a few years back allowing the union to distribute lanyards of a certain width, color, and print size. The proposed lanyards comply with the award. The company's threat does not.
Passive-aggressive? Perhaps. Embarrassing to the company? Probably. Going to happen? Absolutely.
Fatigue and operational tempo are the biggest problems facing the company right now. The union is attacking the issue from as many angles as possible.
I don't always agree with the union. Seldom, in fact. But I agree on this one.