Keep in mind, negotiations are not with SWA. They are with FordHarrison, a law firm that advises all airlines in negotiations. SWA sets the agenda, FH calls the negotiating shots, outward and hidden, ethical and otherwise. Their first step is division; between mgmt and labor, between employee groups, and within employee groups.

Arguing within the group about things like RLA rules, who’d be willing to strike and other non-pertinent (as of now) issues helps their agenda.

PS, and most of all, consider why a board that touts the family culture of the company would retain a firm whose first step is to divide the company. Who is loyal to whom?