Section 6 is the formal process used to negotiate changes to an airline contract.
Unlike a short-term extension or a limited agreement, Section 6 can open many parts of the contract for bargaining, including pay, benefits, job protections, scheduling, and work rules.
Because the contract is being negotiated so broadly, the process can take longer. A new agreement can still be reached sooner if both sides resolve the remaining issues, but Section 6 negotiations can continue for months or years before a Tentative Agreement is reached and ratified.
The current agreement stays in place while negotiations continue.