Wickershaw
Yes, I do indeed believe that the current dispute has many similarities to a labor dispute. My point was to indicate that even the most emotionally antagonistic situations (such as labor disputes) can be resolved.
Evan nicely explained the reasoning for having each party identify their own interests...it is an essential part of the process.
For the reading impaired: Interst-based bargaining is not typical mediation. It is a particular method of mediating.
One thing we find helpful in my world when we find the box of possible outcomes to be unacceptable is to think outside of it.
Oh, and Wickershaw...as I explained above, one of the first steps typically taken to insure the viability of interest-based bargaining is to have everyone use their best efforts to muzzle inflaming commentary about the parties, somewhat exemplified by your description of one of the parties in your post.
