Hey Tim, maybe, just maybe with the latest cuts in the NMB, they are waiting for us to get done with our mediators and they will send them your way to start up your mediated nego's? This way they won't have to send another team out into the field in the same area DFW metroplex.
We just received our first meetings with the mediators after the contract was rejected. These two dates will be Nov. 19-20 just 2 days but much better than meeting for these 2 days next year. Don't expect much to get done this year with all the holidays, but it could get done IF the co. really wants to get it done. The ball is in their court. Theoretically they could even set more dates in Dec before the X-mas holiday. In reality I don't see anything getting done until next year like we have all said from the get go. These two meeting dates from what I have been told, will be more like introductions of the "new" company nego team and for them to get familiar with all the info. That's all BS as they could be doing that right now prior to meeting in Nov. by just getting with all the current team and going over notes.
Good luck Tim. I was being sarcastic about using our mediators, but know this, it will not speed things along any faster than before mediation. Matter fact pretty sure it will slow the pace down as it did in our case.