The NBA players now define mediation at the federal level as the next logical step in their attempts to resolve a dispute with team owners.  At issue is the upcoming basketball season, which has been put into doubt by the current standoff between players and owners.  There is currently a lockout in effect, but players are optimistic that George Cohen, working as a federal mediation attorney, will be able to help them find a resolution acceptable to all sides.  Cohen is the individual who used his labor mediation skills to try to solve the NFL's recent labor dispute. 

Cohen to Define Mediation Goals

According to Cohen, he has already contacted both sides so that he can develop preliminary ideas as to ways to resolve the NBA dispute.  "I have participated in separate, informal, off-the-record discussions with the principals representing the NBA and the NBPA concerning the status of their collective bargaining negotiations," Cohen commented via written statement.  "It is evident that the ongoing dispute will result in a serious impact, not only upon the parties directly involved, but also, of major concern, on interstate commerce — i.e., the employers and working men and women who provide services related to the basketball games."

Cohen also made clear his concerns regarding how the lockout would affect the local economies of cities where scheduled gamed may have to be cancelled if the dispute cannot be resolved.