*

The 1981 amounts shown are based upon continuing resolution (PL 96-536) in effect through June 5, 1981.

Activity 1.

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

SALARIES AND EXPENSES

Mediatory Services (1981, $2,677,000, pos. 50) (1982, $2,776,000, pos. 50)

Narrative Description of Program

The National Mediation Board, with three members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and a professional staff of forty-six (46) Civil Service employees, performs two distinct functions under the Railway Labor Act, as amended, 45 U.S.C. 151 et. seq. First, it mediates disputes over wages, hours and working conditions which arise from time to time between the employees and the carriers. Second, the Board administers the procedures to resolve representation disputes involving labor organizations which seek to represent railroad or airline employees. This function includes the investigation of the matter, conducting a hearing when issues arise that require defining the proper craft or class, and certifying the results of the employees' choice.

In connection with the mediation function, a party may either request the services of the Mediation Board, or the Board, of its own volition, may enter the negotiations. In either case, once the Board's services have been invoked the status quo must be maintained and resort to self-help is barred.

Administrative support of the above-noted principal functions includes: (1) overall supervision of office and field personnel; (2) liaison with labor-management representatives and the general public; (3) developing budget data and budget execution; (4) legal advice to Board members and the Justice Department regarding litigation involving the Board; (5) research; (6) the appointments of referees under section 3 of the Railway Labor Act; and (7) administrative and legal support to the National Railroad Adjustment Board.

Administrative support also fulfills various responsibilities imposed by such corollary statutes as the Rail Passenger Service Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-158) establishing the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak); the Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-236) establishing the Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail); the