Originally Posted by
Eric Stratton
I believe the president can only postpone a strike for 30 or 60 days...not stop it entirely. if that is actually the case then it is the first time I've ever heard that, or that congress can step in and impose their own contract on a carrier.
That's correct. I left out specifics for brevity. From my experience it goes like this: direct negotiations, proffer for mediation, release into a 30 day "cooling off" and "super mediation". After the cooling off period if there is no agreement either side is free to exercise "self help". The president can intervene for an additional 60 day period to allow a PEB to convene and present recommendations. Then it's back to "self help". Congress is allowed to end the strike and impose whatever contract is left on the table, or their own version of one.