Court Cancels Mediation, Settlement Negotiations Continue

[mlmpetert]

Originally Posted by NC_Skins

What's the difference between the court ordered mediation and ongoing "settlement discussions"?

From Florio:

This could mean that communications will continue, either in person or via other means, into next week and beyond.

It makes sense for the mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, to push the parties to try to settle the case now, before the Eighth Circuit issues a ruling on whether the lockout will be lifted. After a final ruling is issued, one side will have a lot more leverage. For now, the uncertainty can be used by both sides to strike a win-win deal.

That’s why, in our view, it’s incumbent on the NFL to be prepared to make an offer aimed genuinely at restoring labor peace, without regard to the concept of winning the best possible deal.

Next week’s mediation session has been canceled | ProFootballTalk