The meaning of "release" and is Heppner retiring?

4/14/12 ALPA declares an impasse on R&I with management
4/14/12 Heppner launches into a tirade about who will decide on release from mediation (him) and what it means (we will be called on to strike 40 days hence)

Question: Is a person in a high place planning on retiring only to find he lost his golden parachute?

Understand this: You will be granting him the power to potentially destroy your careers by doing nothing more than conforming to the mass mindset. To disempower this dangerous force you have to think critically, act independently, and not look for validation or support from your peers. Your rationale should be able to stand up of its own right. There is no moral imperative to go to war and to cast our counterparts at management in the same light as an enemy soldier ready to kill you. This is a mistaken, incorrect and naive thing to do.
You must be able to look in the mirror and say "Yes, you are doing the right thing". Not "I am following orders".

It is YOUR choice. Not ALPA's. Not your buddy's. Zealotry has no place here.