Weekend 3, Day 1: IFT and the Simulations

I was eager to hear the opposite side of the contractual argument from the representative from the IFT. I really thought that he could shed some light on the reasons for many of the IFT positions concerning contractual issues, with some logical rationale for how they established their stances. However, when he finished, I was left feeling that the main reason was more or less back to the argument of "we are labor and they are management." Furthermore, I do not think he was very convincing that his organization truly considered the needs of students above their own interests. He seemed quite focused on the political component of the IFT and explaining ("touting") the political clout that they have in the political process. Nonetheless, it was still somewhat interesting.
In regards to the simulation process on this day, it was much like the other days. We were very close to reaching agreement on all of our issues and settling our contract. The negotiations at this point were centered on the two main topics of salary and insurance. Perhaps, the process went more smoothly than normal since our team discussed our desires for the end result and then Tim and Larry did some sidebarring to help bring our sides closer together. Our negotiations on this day certainly paved the way to quickly wrap things up on the following session.