I am pleased to announce that, after much discussion between the parties, a mediation session has been scheduled for Monday, December 8th. While our first session was not anticipated to occur until January, UTN leadership and our NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist pressed for an earlier date. That pressure, along with the recent displays of unity of the membership, was instrumental in expediting the process.

As has been previously stated, a mediator is generally utilized for three to five sessions. If an agreement is not reached within a few sessions, the parties may decide to proceed to fact finding.

Additional information will be disseminated, as it becomes available.

Your ongoing support and continued participation in unity activities are greatly appreciated.