The NMB is a U.S. government agency responsible for mediating labor disputes in the airline and railway industries. It plays a key role in facilitating negotiations between labor unions and airline management.

The federal mediator initially works with both parties to encourage dialogue and find common ground. The mediator does not have the authority to impose a settlement but aims to assist the parties in reaching a voluntary agreement. A request for release to the NMB is made by a labor union when negotiations with an airline reach an impasse. The request for a release is the union making the argument to the NMB that we are at impasse and should be released to strike. The decision however is up to the NMB.

If the NMB grants the release, a 30-day "cooling-off" period begins. During this period, a federal mediator from the NMB assists in negotiations. If an agreement is reached, it is subject to ratification by the Union members. If no agreement is reached, the process may proceed to further stages, including the possibility of self-help measures after the end of the cooling-off period.

If the NMB denies the release, the parties remain in mediation, and negotiations continues. If the company does not change its position, we will keep pushing for our statutory right to strike.

Related Hotlines:
3.19.24 - Negotiations Update #51: Mediated Negotiations Continue
3.15.24 - Negotiations Update #50: National Mediation Board Status Conference Update
1.25.24 – Negotiations Update #48: NMB Status Conference
1.19.24 – Negotiations Update #47: Mediation Release Request
11.28.23 – Negotiations Update #42: NMB Denies Request for Release

Yes, we have scheduled negotiations dates April 9 - 11 and April 30 - May 2.

The NMB reviews the request and, if granted, initiates a 30-day "cooling-off" period. Federal mediators, from the NMB, have already been assigned to assist in facilitating negotiations between the Union and the airline.

Related Hotlines:
3.19.24 - Negotiations Update #51: Mediated Negotiations Continue
3.15.24 - Negotiations Update #50: National Mediation Board Status Conference Update
1.25.24 – Negotiations Update #48: NMB Status Conference
1.19.24 – Negotiations Update #47: Mediation Release Request
11.28.23 – Negotiations Update #42: NMB Denies Request for Release
11.20.23 – Negotiations Update #40: Mediation Release Request, Next Steps and Frequently Asked Questions

We anticipate continuing negotiations while we wait to hear back from the NMB, and it is possible that we could reach an agreement with management. However, this is not likely, given management's lack of movement at recent negotiation sessions.

The timeline can vary and there is no set duration. It depends on factors such as the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties to negotiate. The process may involve several stages including mediation, a cooling-off period, and the potential involvement of a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB).

As you will notice, the letter requests a “proffer of arbitration” which is the actual wording the Railway Labor Act uses. Under the RLA, the Board proffers arbitration to both parties and when it is rejected that releases the parties into a thirty-day cooling off period. We, of course, have zero interest in arbitrating our contract and believe we need a strike deadline to force the company to settle this dispute.

Under the Railway Labor Act, once we are in mediation the NMB sets the timing and location of negotiations. Additionally, the ball is in the Company’s court so they can settle this contract at any point by passing a proposal which meets our needs.

No, we can only participate in a job action against the company after the 30-day cooling-off period has expired. Any job action prior would be considered illegal, and involved employees would face discipline and the Union could be held liable for any financial impact to the company. It is important to follow the direction of the Union during this critical time. Read Negotiations Update #28: Illegal Self-Help Tactics for more information

Under the RLA, we must request a "proffer for arbitration." However, one or both parties can agree to the arbitration request, which would begin a 30-day cooling off period. APFA has no intention of agreeing to binding arbitration.

Flight Attendants fall under the RLA because the RLA covers employees engaged in the transportation industry, including airlines.

Most private sector workers are covered under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). Under the NLRA workers are able to strike once the contract expires. So recently auto workers and Hollywood actors and writers were able to strike without permission of the government. Airline and rail workers are governed by the RLA which has additional hoops we must go through before exercising our right to strike.