Frequently Asked Questions: Arbitration

1.	Q:	What is the daily pay rate for arbitrators on the NMB Roster of Arbitrators?
	A:	The NMB pays $300 per day for railroad arbitration. For all other arbitrations, the parties pay the individual arbitrator's going rate.
2.	Q:	Is there a separate roster for airline arbitrators?
	A:	No. The NMB has a single Roster of Arbitrators from which arbitrators can be selected for both airline and railroad cases.
3.	Q:	What is a Special Board of Adjustment (SBA)?
	A:	A Special Board of Adjustment is a tribunal set up by agreement on an individual railroad and with a single labor organization to decide specifically designated grievances. Such disputes could be sent to the appropriate division of the NRAB for adjudication, but the parties, by voluntary agreement, submit the grievances to this type of board.
4.	Q:	What is a Public Law Board (PLB)?
	A:	A Public Law Board is a tribunal established pursuant to Public Law 89-456 which authorized the establishment of special boards of adjustment on individual railroads. Unlike the SBA, which must be established upon agreement of both parties, the PLB can be established upon the written request of either party.
5.	Q:	What is the National Railroad Adjustment Board (NRAB)?
	A:	Set up by the Railway Labor Act under the 1934 amendments, this entity is composed of equal numbers of representatives from labor and management. It is their responsibility to hear and decide grievances which have been appealed to the Railroad Adjustment Board from the various carrier properties. Its decisions are final and binding on both parties to the dispute, subject to extraordinarily narrow court review. The NRAB has its own rules, known as Circular #1. The NRAB is headquartered in Chicago, IL.
6.	Q:	What is the relationship between the NRAB and the NMB?
	A:	The NMB provides staff support for the NRAB. The NMB by law has authority over the expenditure of funds for the activities of the NRAB.
7.	Q:	Who can file a claim?
	A:	Any individual employee of a carrier, union official or carrier official can file a claim at the NRAB.
8.	Q:	How do I file a claim?
	A:	Please contact the NRAB for instructions on how to file a claim.
9.	Q:	Where do I file my claim?
	A:	File your claim with the NRAB via US Postal Service, email or fax. The address is: National Railroad Adjustment Board of the National Mediation Board 844 North Rush Street, Room 944 Chicago, IL 60611-2092 Ph: 312-751-4688 Fax: 312-751-4681 Email: NRAB@NMB.GOV
10.	Q:	Does the NMB handle appeals?
	A:	No. The NMB has no authority to handle appeals of arbitration awards. Under the statute, awards can only be modified in Federal Court. Individuals or organizations must file suit. The NMB has no authority to hear appeals in either industry.
11.	Q:	I need legal assistance - can the NMB assist me?
	A:	No. The NMB cannot give legal advice. If you need legal advice, you must retain your own attorney. Check your local bar association for listings. The NMB cannot provide any referrals or advice.

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