Define: Railway Labor Act

The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is a federal law enacted in 1926 that governs labor relations in the railway and airline industries in the United States.

The RLA applies to employees and employers in the railway and airline industries, including railroad carriers, air carriers, and their employees.

The RLA covers various aspects of labor relations, including collective bargaining, mediation, arbitration, and the resolution of labor disputes in the railway and airline industries.

The primary purpose of the RLA is to promote stable and peaceful labor relations in the railway and airline industries by providing mechanisms for collective bargaining and dispute resolution.

Under the RLA, employees covered by the Act are required to follow specific procedures before going on strike. These procedures include mediation and potentially arbitration, with strikes being a last resort.

Similarly to employees, employers covered by the RLA are also required to follow specific procedures before implementing a lockout. These procedures involve mediation and potentially arbitration as well.

Yes, employees covered by the RLA have the right to form labor unions and engage in collective bargaining with their employers.

No, employers covered by the RLA are required to negotiate in good faith with labor unions representing their employees.

The NMB is an independent federal agency responsible for administering the RLA. Its role includes facilitating collective bargaining, mediating labor disputes, and overseeing the resolution of disputes through arbitration.

Yes, like any federal law, the RLA can be amended or modified by Congress. However, any changes to the Act would require legislative action and approval by both houses of Congress and the President’s signature.