On Thursday, April 25 the Chicago Newspaper Guild and the Company had an off the record meeting with a federal mediator from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. At no time did the parties meet face to face. The afternoon consisted of the federal mediator shuttling between the Guild and Company.

The federal mediator has requested that neither party discuss anything regarding the subjects and contents of the mediation session. Both the members of the Guild’s and Company’s negotiating team agreed to adhere to the federal government’s request. The next mediation session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22.