Well the 9th screwed up the situation pretty badly by saying the west could not sue until there was a ratified contract, the company refuses to do that because the west will sue the company for collusion as usapa's proposal have already been found illegal and the company's attorney's have stated that the west would most likely win damages from the company. So the company filed a Declaratory Judgment in phoenix where it is asking for immunity from a lawsuit from the west pilots if it goes along with usapa, absent such immunity the company won't move from the Nic. So usapa has been fighting this suit from going to trial but the judge has shot them down and has given the west pilots class certification, the case scheduling begins dec. 1st and this judge is known for quick work. The reason you see this move to "mediation" is that usapa has fired their law firm and the new lawyers have told them they have a slim to none chance of prevailing in giving the company immunity.