Congressional Action
Since the enactment of the RLA in 1926, most national freight rail negotiations have resulted in voluntary settlements without any service interruptions. However, in rare instances when the parties have not reached an agreement before exhausting the RLA negotiation process, Congress generally steps in to prevent or put an end to service disruptions. Past congressional […]
Post-PEB Cooling Off Period
For 30 days following the issuance of the PEB’s report, the parties are prohibited from engaging in “self-help” tactics.
Presidential Emergency Board
If the NMB determines that the bargaining dispute threatens to interrupt interstate commerce, it will notify the president of the United States. The president can then choose to appoint what is known as a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to investigate the dispute and recommend solutions. If a PEB is appointed, the RLA imposes additional cooling-off […]
Post-Mediation Cooling Off Period
Should either party reject the NMB’s proffer of arbitration, the board will notify the parties that its mediatory efforts have failed. This notification triggers a 30-day cooling-off period. During this time, neither party can engage in tactics such as a strike or lockout. This period is intended to provide additional time for parties to reach […]
Proffer of Arbitration and Release
If the NMB determines further mediation will not bring the parties to agreement, the agency will urge the parties to accept binding arbitration to resolve their bargaining disputes. Either party is free to reject arbitration, but if both parties accept, an arbitration board will issue a final and binding decision regarding the terms of the […]
Mediation
Should negotiations enter mediation, the NMB assumes control of the schedule, location and format of negotiations. The NMB’s goal is to facilitate an agreement that is mutually acceptable for all parties. Under the RLA, the NMB is obligated to use its “best efforts” to bring the parties to agreement. There is no timeline for the […]
Direct Bargaining
After Section 6 notices are served, labor and management negotiating teams engage in direct (i.e., unmediated) discussions regarding the proposed changes to agreements. The parties may pursue direct bargaining for as long as they mutually desire. Direct bargaining concludes when one of four actions occurs: 1. The parties reach agreement,2. Either side unequivocally terminates negotiations,3. […]
Exchange of Section 6 Notices
Although collective bargaining agreements do not expire under the RLA, they generally have “amendable” dates when the parties can initiate a new round of bargaining by exchanging “Section 6 notices.” These notices, which are named for the section of the RLA that defines bargaining procedures, include the proposed contractual changes the parties are seeking.
