WASHINGTON, Oct. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "I am pleased to report that the parties met the past two days under the auspices of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and discussed a number of major issues.  As a result of these discussions, the parties will have their respective committees review their positions and analyze associated costs.  Meanwhile, the parties' subcommittees will continue to meet in an effort to resolve additional outstanding issues.  Again, I wish to commend the parties for their hard work and their commitment to this process."

"As is our custom and practice, due to the sensitive nature of these high profile negotiations, we will have no further comment on the schedule for the negotiations, their location, or the substance of what takes place during those negotiations."

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