The APA issued a statement last night, with their position on the issue, and here it is, as carried by BUSINESS WIRE/Yahoo!.
Excerpts:

“American Airlines pilots are trained professionals who are responsible for flying their passengers safely around the world every day. The list of unresolved maintenance issues grows every day on each of the aging aircraft we operate, and we can’t ignore serious maintenance issues that could easily turn into safety risks. Our pilots will not compromise safety, ever,” said APA President Keith Wilson.
“American Airlines chose to reject our contract and the operational procedures and protections that go with it. Understandably, our pilots are taking a prudent and cautious approach in their operational decision-making process,” Wilson added.

Ugh. I'm generally sympathetic to unions but this pr statement could have been better. It should have read:

"Sorry for the inconvenience you have been experiencing. As you know, AA is in bankruptcy and has been deferring maintenance issues. Our pilots are not deliberately inconveniencing passengers. We want to ensure your (and our) safety and will do everything to ensure the planes are safe to fly. Your delays are a result of AA's cost cutting."

AA knows its really about the contract. So does the public. But throwing that into the PR statement about safety really doesn't help them garner sympathy.