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The National Mediation Board

In 1926, Congress passed the Railway Labor Act (RLA) to govern the resolution of disputes within the railroad industry. The RLA was amended in 1934, and the National Mediation Board (NMB) was created. In 1936, the jurisdiction of the RLA was expanded to include the airline industry. The NMB is an independent federal agency tasked with enforcing and interpreting the RLA. This article summarizes the major functions of the NMB.

The Employee Benefits Security Administration-Enforcement of ERISA Disclosure and Reporting Requirements

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulates how private-sector employee benefit plans are administered and requires benefit plans to provide information about plans and changes to the plans to both the federal government and to plan participants and beneficiaries. The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), an agency of the United States Department of Labor, has the responsibility of administering the fiduciary, reporting, and disclosure provisions of ERISA. Prior to 2003, the EBSA was known as the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, which prior to 1986 was known as the Pension and Welfare Benefits Program. In 1986, the program was also upgraded to sub-cabinet classification. The EBSA also oversees the fiduciary and auditing aspects of the Thrift Savings Plan that was established under the Federal Employees' Retirement System Act.

Campaign Procedures Under the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act

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Arbitration -- Labor Disputes -- Pre-Arbitration Issues

When a labor dispute arises between an employer and a union, arbitration is often the preferred method of resolution. Once it is determined that an issue needs to be arbitrated, there are a number of factors to consider before the actual arbitration hearing takes place.

Arbitration -- Labor Disputes -- Hearsay

Because they are not bound by the legal rules of evidence, arbitrators have significantly more discretion that judges to determine what will be considered admissible information. One of the greatest areas of discretion is with evidence classified as hearsay. Of course, this is also one of the areas of greatest contention; since the guidelines are much more fluid, parties in arbitration proceedings may spend a great deal of time arguing for the inclusion or exclusion of specific information.

Recent News

White Collar Exemptions under the FLSA

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides an exemption from both minimum wage and overtime pay for certain "white collar" workers. To qualify for exemption, employees generally must meet certain tests regarding their job duties and be paid on a salary basis at not less than $455 per week.

Furlough or Layoff: Is There a Difference?

Furloughs are being used more often as employers, both private and public, face economic tough times. Learn about some of the differences between furloughs and layoffs - each measure has different consequences. Know how employer work policies and handbooks may govern furlough procedures.

Burdens of Proof under the FLSA

The Fair Labor Standards Act ("FLSA") governs, among other things, the minimum wage and overtime payments that employers must pay employees. Whether you're an employer or worker, you need to know some things about the burdens of proof for violations of the FLSA.