Originally Posted by
rg16
Show me in the RLA where it's written that direct negotiations are prohibited when mediation begins. I'll wait.
The mediator controls MEDIATED sessions. There is NOTHING that prohibits Casey and Jody from getting together with Bobby J and AW over some hot wings and quesadillas at the DoubleTree and hammering out a deal, at ANY time.
15. Q: Can the NMB determine where the parties will meet when they are in mediation?
A: The courts have held that the NMB has the authority to establish where and when the parties will meet while in mediation. Normally, however, the meeting site and dates are mutually agreed upon among the parties and the mediator.
16. Q: Can the NMB determine when and/or how often the parties will meet when they are in mediation?
A: Again, meetings are normally established by mutual agreement among the parties and the mediator, but during mediation the NMB does have the authority to dictate when the parties will meet, for how long they will meet, and when meetings will be recessed.