WASHINGTON, Aug. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As of this date, the parties now have been engaged in intensive negotiations for five weeks under the auspices of myself and Director of Mediation Services John Pinto.  As previously reported, progress continues to be made; but a number of issues remain to be resolved.  Pursuant to the mediators' recommendation, the parties have agreed to continue their negotiations until concluded at an undisclosed location in New York. 

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, created in 1947, is an independent U.S. government agency whose mission is to preserve and promote labor-management peace and cooperation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 10 district offices and 67 field offices, the agency provides mediation and conflict resolution services to industry, government agencies and communities.

SOURCE Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service