The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is wary as the beginning of March, and the next round of contract talks with American Airlines approaches. The union, representing some 26,000 mechanics, baggage handlers, and clerks, fears that an agreement will, once again, not be reached, and so announced today that they will ask the National Mediation Board for a release from mediation if the talks are unsuccessful. The deadline for an agreement is March 8, and the contract has been in the works for almost four years. If an agreement is not reached, and the NMB grants a release (which is not a guarantee - just last year an Hawaiian union was refused a release), then the Transport Workers would be free to begin thinking about slowdowns, strikes, and/or other 'self-help' measures.
See "Transport Workers Union will seek release from mediation if early March talks with American Airlines fail", Terry Maxon, The Dallas Morning News, February 16, 2010