Negotiators agreed to continue talks by executing statutory 15‑day extension documents and discussed mediation as a possible step if the parties reach impasse.

Extension and schedule: The parties agreed to sign a 15‑day extension that would shift the impasse deadline to Jan. 8. The union designated Jeff Riccardi (name provided as the union designee) to sign extension paperwork if their lead negotiator was unavailable. The parties scheduled further bargaining sessions for Dec. 28–30 and said they would meet on Jan. 8 for extension/impasse paperwork if needed.

Mediation: Union negotiators asked the city to request mediation from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). City negotiators said they preferred to exhaust bargaining before going to mediation but acknowledged FMCS could be requested when the parties reach impasse.

Why it matters: Extension filings and scheduling determine statutory deadlines for impasse and trigger potential mediation or arbitration timelines. Designating a signer for extension documents ensures continuity even when lead negotiators are unavailable.

Outcome: Parties agreed to execute a 15‑day extension (impasse moved to Jan. 8) and to schedule bargaining sessions Dec. 28–30; union requested mediation as an option and designated a signer to execute extension documents if necessary.

Ending: Parties confirmed dates and agreed to continue bargaining with the possibility of mediation if talks stall.