What is the Railway Labor Act (RLA)?

The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is a federal law that governs labor relations for employees in the railroad and airline industries, and in other related industries in the United States. It was first passed in 1926 and amended several times since then. The primary purpose of the RLA is to ensure that labor disputes are handled fairly and equitably, and that the rights of both employers and employees are protected. Under the RLA, both employers and employees have certain rights and obligations. Employers have the right to set wages, working hours, and work rules, but must first try to reach agreement with their employees through a collective bargaining process. Employees have the right to join labor unions and bargain collectively, and to be free from discrimination, intimidation, and coercion by their employers. If an agreement cannot be reached, the RLA outlines certain procedures for handling labor disputes, including mediation and arbitration. The RLA also provides for a mechanism for resolving disputes or grievances that arise between employers and employees. The National Mediation Board is responsible for the mediation process, which seeks to foster communication between the two sides and resolve issues in a timely manner. If mediation is unsuccessful, the RLA then provides for a strike or lockout. In Tennessee, labor relations for railroad and airline employees are regulated by the RLA, just like they are for all other states. All parties must abide by the rules set forth in the RLA, and labor disputes related to these industries must be handled in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Act.

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What is the Railway Labor Act (RLA)?

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