It shouldn't have though. I agree that it would be stupid not to think so but how many normal meetings between Owners and employees go public? You can be the biggest fan of Manning in the world, not saying you are personally, just to the general posters, but at the end of the day he's just another employee.
...Union, man, not employee, union member, there's a difference. Employees can quit, not a lot they can do, a union, however, can go on strike if there is something they don't like, and who would watch the NFL without all the stars? It'd be like the arena league. And tons of UNION meetings are publicized all the time, steelworker union meetings are publicized in papers, newsletters, etc. Have they been given too much power? No, the owners can find other players if they want, but they want the best, so they negotiate.