An outside mediation attorney will be employed to help The New York Times and the Newspaper Guild of New York come to a resolution on a contract.

New York Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. informed his employees through an email of the mediation. The mediation attorney, who also handles arbitration cases, will be Martin Scheinman. Sheinman is also said to be experienced in handling cases for the New York Times.

Donald McNeil Voices His Support For Mediation Services

During the second week of October 2012, employees of the news publication organized a brief walkout and the next day it was reported that representatives for the management prematurely left a negotiation session. Management concluded that they would make an attempt at a final offer later that week.

Donald G. McNeil Jr., a correspondent for the publication who has openly expressed his unfavorable opinion of the company's management and policies, said that a civil mediation was a step in the right direction in an email that was sent to his fellow staff members. He stated, “This is very good for the process...we were getting nowhere,” in a note acquired by The Huffington Post.

McNeil Explains Role Of Mediation Attorneys To Staff

McNeil also explained the mission of mediation lawyer Scheinman, saying “A (mediation attorney) listens to both sides and then shuttles back and forth...leaning on each of them to give in bit by bit until a deal is reached.”

McNeil also elucidated how the deal on the new contract would be decided without a formal vote by employees, that union members have the option to refuse agreement with it, and that the union could also possibly send people involved in the civil mediation process back to the drawing board if they aren't comfortable with the decision.

McNeil made bold statements in an attempt to strengthen the solidarity and resolve of his fellow employees at the New York Times, reminding them that if further conflict were to arise as the result of either parties not agreeing to the terms of the mediation findings, that the staff should be used to fighting and conflict within the company by now and that it shouldn't dampen their spirits.