What is the Railway Labor Act (RLA)?

The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is a federal law that was enacted to protect the rights of railroad workers and to ensure labor peace in the railway industry. The RLA is administered by the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington, D.C., and is enforced by the federal government. The RLA was passed in 1926 in an effort to resolve labor disputes in a fair and efficient manner. It applies to unionized railroad employees, as well as airlines, bus lines, and freight carriers. The Act also requires employers to bargain in good faith with any labor organization that represents their employees. The purpose of the RLA is to ensure a stable work environment and improve the safety of employees. To accomplish this, the law imposes the duty of collective bargaining on employers and labor organizations. The RLA also establishes a process for resolving disputes between labor organizations and employers and establishes procedures for handling unfair labor practices. The Act has been extended to cover most of the transportation sector, including airline and bus employees in Minnesota. All employers are required to have procedures in place to handle grievances or disputes and to negotiate in good faith with any labor organization representing their employees. The RLA is critical to Minnesota’s economy and provides important protections for workers in the transportation sector. By ensuring labor peace and fair working conditions, the RLA helps to ensure that working conditions are safe and conducive to overall economic growth.

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