There are a few things that could affect your timeline. The mediator could put the negotiations "on ice" for an undetermined amount of time. Any party can make a proffer of arbitration at any time, which will surely be denied. That does not automatically trigger a cooling off period. The only way for that to happen, barring a major violation of the status quo, is for the mediator to declare an impasse and recommend release to the NMB. The NMB is the only body to allow release, which they may or may not do. They could order both parties back to the table, starting the whole circus over. What a mess...all favoring the company. This info is simply gathered from working under section 6 for about 9 years at different carriers, so it is correct to the best of my knowledge.