National Mediation Board

• Pages: 469-472

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

1301 K Street NW., Suite 250 East, Washington, DC 20005

Phone, 202-692-5000. Internet, www.nmb.gov.

Chairman Harry R. Hoglander

Members Elizabeth Dougherty, Read Van de Water

Director, Mediation Services Larry Gibbons

Director, Alternative Dispute Daniel Rainey

Resolution

General Counsel, Office of Legal Mary Johnson

Affairs

Director, Arbitration Services Roland Watkins

Director, Administration June King

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The National Mediation Board facilitates harmonious labor-management relations within two of the Nation's key transportation sectors: the railroads and the airlines. The Board handles mediation and employee representation disputes and provides administrative and financial support in adjusting grievances in the railroad industry.

The National Mediation Board (NMB) is an independent agency established by the 1934 amendments to the Railway Labor Act of 1926 (45 U.S.C. 151-

158, 160-162, 1181-1188). The Board is composed of three members, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The board designates a Chairman on a yearly basis.

The Agency's dispute-resolution processes are designed to resolve disputes over the negotiation of new or revised collective bargaining agreements and the interpretation or application of existing agreements. It also effectuates employee rights of self-organization where a representation dispute exists.

Activities

Mediation Following receipt of an application for meditation, the NMB assigns a mediator to assist the parties in reaching an agreement. The NMB is obligated to use its best efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the dispute. If such efforts do not settle the dispute, the NMB advises the parties and offers interest arbitration as an alternative approach to resolve the remaining issues. If either party rejects this offer, the NMB releases the parties from formal mediation. This release triggers a 30-day cooling off period. During this period, NMB continues to work with the parties to achieve a consensual resolution. If, however, an agreement is not reached by the end of the

30-day period, the parties are free to exercise lawful self-help, such as carrier-imposed working conditions or a strike by the union/

organization.

Alternative Dispute Resolution In addition to traditional mediation services, NMB also provides voluntary Alternative Dispute Resolution

(ADR) services. ADR services include...