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The Transport Workers Union at American Airlines asked today that the National Mediation Board release it from ongoing mediation that has spanned multiple years. TWU's Air Transport Division president John Conley says that the union plans to continue to try to work towards an agreement, but feels that it is time for the next step. The union has asked for an end to mediation and a start to the 30-day cooling off period that could signal the beginning of a strike. Talks are currently scheduled through the end of March and the beginning of April, but could be canceled if the Mediation Board decides that the airline and the union have really reached an impasse. Issues in negotiations have arisen in particular over AA's plans to outsource some jobs. The Airline claims to be disappointed by the union's decision to appeal to the National Mediation Board.