He’s the President (#2 behind Ed), it’s not his job to be at all negotiations. If he is going to one, I’ve gotta believe it’s to close the deal.

Exactly. So the mediator summoned both sides to her turf. In person. And both sides are sending all the needed forks who have decision authority.

This is exactly how it works with the NMB when a deal is within reach. An off site on the mediator’s turf is the harbinger of a deal.

Im cautiously optimistic. The outcome of next week is hugely consequential. We will either have a deal, or the mediator will telegraph direction by releasing us or putting us on ice. Regardless, for the first time in 3 years, we will know at the end of the week where this is all headed.

If that happened and they started at 10AM—there’d be a contract by dinner.

It's not ridiculous. Offsite negotiations are hugely impactful because it takes everyone away from their comfort zones and their daily duties, especially management personnel.

Exactly....The company negotiators are there for that sole purpose...You don't call the president into an out of town location just for grins and giggles...It's all or nothing.

Mongo

Why does this feel like used car negotiations. "I can't sell for that price, let me get my manager".

I really hope our NC tells GH they have to "go home and talk it over with the wife" because the deal isn't good enough.

This is how the endgame process works. It’s not new or unique to Delta, ALPA, or any other carrier or labor group.

So, if he is needed to make a deal why has it taken this long to get here? Our NC had the authority to ink a deal but the company has been sending people with no authority. This whole process is a joke and I hope we make this wait worth it or strike.

I get the process. It just feels cheap and leaves a bad taste. We deserve better treatment than stereotypical used car lot shenanigans. The theatrical display sends a message that our executive leadership doesn't have confidence in the ability of their minions. Apparently, Flt Ops leadership isn't capable and should be taken with a grain of salt. Should we only read memos from GH, since the appointees aren't capable of doing their jobs?

We could have a meaningful contract without the theatrics. IMHO, this is simply negotiation theater, so the mediator won't declare an impasse.

Correct me if im wrong, but isn't this how also TA2 in 2016 ended up getting to the finish line? End of the day, EB/GH hold the purse strings, and probably only they can go above of what was directed at the company negotiators. I wouldn't view this as a used car salesman gimmick, its part of the game...annoying as it is, but its a good sign.

Mongo