i realize i should call the CUU office for the answer, but thought i would first throw it out to this board:

if mcdonald is not in blackout, then he wouldnt have been in any negotiations, if as some posters speculate, there may have been some discussions between CUU and Teck in the recent weeks.

so this leads to my question - who would be negotiating for CUU; i would've thought McDonald would be included due to his extensive background as outlined in CUU's web page.

Elmer, Ernesto, M. Smith(?), Mackay-Dunn (lawyer)?, Koudstaal (CA)?

or would CUU enlist the assistance of a 3rd party in collaboration with Elmer, Ernesto?

just thinking out loud.....

cheers

jaf