Originally Posted by
Gspeed
Section 6 doesn't require mediation. The parties involved could come to a deal on their own without any outside assistance or intervention. That rarely happens in the airline world (not sure about railway negotiations). It is only required if either side sees self-help as necessary or the end game in order to achieve their objectives. I agree with your other point, though.
By default the union has to press for the long process to self help to further their leverage. Nowhere is it written that the NMB must be involved, but it is in fact a requirement for gains beyond what management dictates.