Simple:

APA agreed to a binding TA and then ratified a CBA on or near their amendable date a few years ago, they would be approaching another section six cycle today. Not sitting in the same section six parked by the NMB.

You think I am slandering them, but many of their pilots feel the same way. All of my good friends there are frustrated at the way the talks have gone, and have come to realize that a little a few years back would have set them up nicely for today, when AMR is making money. Not that they are here, they will get a good agreement, but the money that will be in their pocket will be less then what it would have been with the other option. (Their observation, not mine) They hope for a shorter term contract so that they can be back at it when they finally announce their merger partner, but they also know that if they do not hurry it up, the two events will be one in the same.