Of course hes back and thats why 9 is being held up..............Its my understanding that even if 9 is held up, economics are being discussed anyway come March.

That's my understanding too. I was hopeful it would happen this session though.

The impression I'm getting is the mediator is starting to push everyone along. I guess more focused you could say.

Agreed, seems like good news

How could anything be more focused than "focused negotiations"?

The mediator sets the tone. At first more hands off and as things go along can become more forceful.

a friend just texted me that there were no new TA's from this week...Youve got to be kidding me...

There better be a very good reason for this. (I really don't have high hopes)

Good. The quicker we get released the better. We want as little accomplished as possible until the mediator shows everyone the door. You didn't think they were going to get this done without a strike, did you?
Not gonna happen.

Amen........hope everyone is working on their strike fund!

I thought we were flying our lines?