Understanding the National Mediation Board
What is the National Mediation Board (NMB)?
The National Mediation Board is an Independent Federal Agency responsible for the management, administration, and authorization of communication undertaken between railroad and airline executives and their respective employees concerning conflict and dispute resolution. Labor disputes arising within these specific industries within the realm of transportation services on which a multitude of the American populace relies may result in strikes and forfeiture; in order to avoid the closure of – or the refusal to provide for – such services, the NMB provides mediation assistance and regulatory review with regard to employment-based conflict resolution:
While non-independent government agencies are classified as existing under the jurisdiction of the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, the NMB – as well as the bulk of independent government agencies – are under varying degrees of the Executive branch’s jurisdiction
NMB Quick Facts
Independent Federal Agencies are typically without a single director or executive; in contrast, independent government agencies – such as the NMB - are overseen by an executive directorial board; due to this fact, the Executive Branch retains less managerial oversight of the NMB than its agency counterparts. Although the President of the United States retains administrative jurisdiction over the NMB, the presence of a committee of directors allows for a decreased executive authority over hiring, staffing, and administration. The following details outline the structuring of the NMB:
The NMB was founded in 1934 subsequent to amendments passed concerning the preexisting Railway Labor Act of 1926, which outlines the standards and practices applicable to conflict and dispute resolution regarding labor within the realm of the railroad and airline industries
The headquarters of the NMB are located in Washington, D.C.
The NMB is administered by a council of 3 executives who receive their respective appointment directly from the President of the United States; Daniel Rainey serves as the current chief of staff – it is not uncommon for independent government agencies to include terms such as ‘Board’ in their respective title due to a group management structure in lieu of a single director
Independent Government Agencies
Independent Government Agencies are specific organizations and bureaus under the over arching jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States; however, these independent agencies are typically without a specified Department responsible for their respective oversight and administration.
NMB: Legal Information and Further Assistance
The operation and administration of the NMB resides under the jurisdiction of the legal field classified as Administrative Law; this genre of law is primarily associated with events and circumstances in which the Federal Government of the United States engages its citizens, including the administration of government programs, the administration and operation of government agencies, and the establishment of a legal, regulatory federal standard – you can find both the primary address and telephones number of the NMB below:
National Mediation Board
Attn: Daniel Rainey
1301 K Street, NW
Suite 250 East
Washington, D.C.
20005
(202) 692-5050
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