Yup. I think that statement is premature. Again, I ask all to review the negotiations section and REALLY listen (and watch Parker). He indeed states they are "far apart" in negotiations, but listen......really listen to the remainder (before and after). His other statements are more revealing then what he wants you to focus on (the "far apart" claim), JUST as he wants you to focus on ONLY pay RATES as the primary carrot.

Let me ask those who've watched it this;

Was he STILL attempting to SELL something or was he simply dryly reviewing the situation ?

I saw a sales pitch.

If the pilots cannot expect SOMETHING to vote on, why try to still sell something ?

I agree that expectations are being managed and Parker not only wants to get something past the BOD, he wants the majority of pilots to accept it, thus a sales pitch 1 day prior to an offer to APA. I think he'd also like a little pressure from them to the BOD to get something to vote on once their final counter with a dab of extra sugar is in the hands of the BOD.