Yup. In the "negotiations update" segment, Parker is more revealing then he wants to be (at least to me). First of all, he appears very nervous about the subject as opposed to his demeanor in other videos on other subjects. I notice he attempted to steer the entire issue toward pay rates and didn't even bring up the elephant in the room (scope) to say any of the other issues. He stated that presently he believes we are headed toward arbitration and says "they" think that's not a "bad" thing. He states they are very far apart, but still talking. Does that mean their position is unwavering and he's simply posturing here or there IS some wiggle room ?

I like the "managing expectations" perspective as that's what I see too. As I stated before (and I certainly could be wrong), I think a one time counter will be passed giving some minor leeway on some items (see my prior post) to allow SOMETHING to "get past the board" as Parker says they're having a difficult time doing (why even be concerned with doing that if he REALLY wants arbitration ?). I think a failed vote is what's needed for Parker to argue more effectively in arbitration (or negotiate or mediate outside of it), then going to an arbitration to resolve issues that the pilots never even had a chance to vote on.

Parker needs something to at least make it to the pilots (even if rejected there) and APA needs an out as well. Thus, I still stand behind my belief that SOMETHING will be offered as a counter although still disappointing to many. The APA will then have to "let the pilots decide" on whether they collectively want arbitration and thus will have gotten themselves off the hook. Both sides need a pilot vote whether its a pass or fail. In fact, after that little speech, any further sweetening would make Parker really look like a saint trying to bend over backward to engender good will (while still getting virtually all of what he wants), eh ?

Slamming the door on APA or forcing them to look like knock-kneed idiots to their own pilots by crumbling and punting the "initial" proposal to them just makes him look like the same bully Horton was (but with an 'aw shucks, good old boy delivery).