Railway Labor Act of 1926

1
Railway Labor Act of 1926

• Samuel Sun

2
Primary Purpose

• Keeping the American economy flowing due to labor
  disputes
• Protection of employee rights to join a union
• The independence of carriers and employees in
  matters of self-organization
• The prompt settlement of grievances and disputes

3
National Mediation Board

• Independent agency
• 3 board members appointed by the President w/
  senate approval
• No ties to railway or airline industry
• No more than two of the same political party
• Three year term with the title of chairperson
  rotating among the three

4
Statutory goals of NMB

• Prompt and orderly resolution of disputes arising
  out of new or revised collective bargaining
  agreements
• The effectuation of employee rights of
  self-organization where a representation dispute
  exist
• Prompt and orderly resolution of disputes over
  the interpretation or application of existing
  agreements

5
Collective Bargaining

• Major disputes involving the creation or revision
  of pay rates, business rules, or working
  conditions.
• No expiration date
• Remains in full force and effect until changed in
  accordance to the RLA

6
RLA Procedure

• Submit written notice in advance to begin
  negotiations
• Meet to come up with an agreement
• NMB mediates the two parties

7
RLA Procedure

• Presidential Emergency Board prevents work
  stoppage or a lock out up to 60 days
• Congress may intervene and legislate a resolution
• However, anytime during the negotiation process
  that an agreement is reached, a contract is then
  signed and a new amendable date is set.