I think we are fortunate with the mediator that we got assigned....the fact he's got an airline background is significant, but even more so is that his reputation is that he's one of the, if not the best mediator they have....apparently Alaska MEC told our MEC that they were jealous that we got him....
I think if nothing else, he won't let this drag out which will lead to 1 of 2 outcomes.....1....we somehow get a TA quicker because of his ability to facilitate an agreement.....or 2.....he see that we will not be able to come to any consensus and we get release early for self help......
Either way, I think this mediator getting assigned to us probably gets us to a CBA 6-9 months earlier than other possible mediators we could have been assigned..