Back on topic - I'm not up to speed on labor relations. What exactly does a mediator do to help both sides come to an agreement? What tactics do they use? How long does mediation typically last? Under the railway labor act is there any incentive for management to sign a contract? Or does it benefit them to drag their feet indefinitely? Has an airline contract ever been born from mediation, or does it typically have to go to arbitration or the cooling off period before an agreement is ratified?