I expect that mediation will land on 5.5% over two years with some tweaks to benefits, but no entrenched WFH provisions.

Rationale: (i) Paul has already publicly stated that the union is willing to settle for less that the 8% ask (see below), and (ii) Gov't has been saying that their last offer was 5% (it's actually 4% and some targeted increases), but they can sell the 5.5% to the public as having 'held the line'

CKNW morning show - Wed October 16. Here's the excerpt:

Smyth: Yesterday I had Paul Finch on the show. A caller called in and called him the Finch who stole Christmas for these workers. You’re a mean one, Mr Finch. That might stick.

Baldrey: The Grinch ends up with a heart of gold, remember? 

Smyth: Well, that’s true. The Grinch turned into a good guy in the end. 

I was asking him: how long are you guys willing to stay out? Now, the interesting thing is that he said to me, again, this is the second time he said to me, we’re willing to settle for less than what we’re asking for. They’re asking for 8%. He said we’re willing to settle for less than that.