There has been a lot of talk about trying to open contract negotiations early and maybe for the necessity of mediation. I just thought I'd post the relavent (sp?) section of the contract to add to the mix. Here it is:

Effective Date and Duration
Except as expressly provided otherwise, this agreement will become effective on October 30, 2008, will continue in full force and effect through December 31, 2012, and will renew itself without change through each succeeding December 31st, unless written notice of intended change is served in accordance with Section 6, Title I, of the Railway Labor Act, as
amended, by either party hereto at least 60 days but no more than 270 days prior to December 31, 2012 or December 31st in any year thereafter. In the absence of an agreement by March 31, 2013, the parties agree to jointly petition the National Mediation Board for mediation services.

Notice both sides have already agreed to enter mediation 3 months after the amendable date.

Denny