Bargaining Updates

Mediation Report Jan 27-28

29 Jan, 2026

The Union and the Company met in mediation on January 27th and 28th with a Federal mediator from the National Mediation Board (NMB), as required under the Railway Labor Act.

At the outset of mediation, the NMB mediator spent a significant amount of time outlining the mediation process and his role. He made it clear that moving forward, mediation will be conducted under his direct control. Meetings will occur when he directs, and additional bargaining dates will only be granted if he believes meaningful progress is being made.

The mediator’s initial agenda for this session was for the parties to attempt to resolve several open items in the Miscellaneous Article. While the Union acknowledged that these items are important and remain unresolved, we made it clear that one of the main reasons the Union is in mediation is due the Company’s inadequate wage proposals. The Union emphasized that economics—particularly pay rates—are the central issue preventing an agreement.

By day two, the mediator allowed the parties to move forward with discussions on wages. Despite those discussions, the Union and the Company remain very far apart.

Throughout mediation, the Company repeatedly stated that its position is driven by a desire to remain “competitive” with other ground handling companies. The Company continues to claim that increased labor costs could result in the work being replaced by lower-cost ground handling vendors. The Union strongly disagrees with this narrative and continues to advocate for wages that reflect the work our members perform and the value they bring to the operation.

Additionally, the Company showed no movement on improving benefits for part-time employees, despite the Union raising these concerns throughout mediation.

At the conclusion of the session, the mediator scheduled the next mediation dates for February 24th and 25th.

The mediator stated that he intends to exhaust all available options before releasing the parties into the 30-day cooling-off period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why can’t the Union strike right now?

Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), Unions and Companies in the airline and railroad industries cannot strike at will. The law requires both parties to go through a mandatory process that includes mediation through the National Mediation Board (NMB). As long as the NMB believes mediation could still be productive, the parties are legally required to continue bargaining, and no job actions—including strikes—are permitted. At this time, we are still in NMB mediation, which means a strike is not legally allowed.

What is the 30-day cooling-off period?

If the NMB determines that mediation has been exhausted and no further progress is possible, it may release the parties into a 30-day cooling-off period. This 30-day period is intended to give both sides one final opportunity to reach an agreement without economic pressure, while also allowing time for potential intervention at the federal level.

During the cooling-off period:

The Union cannot strike.
The Company cannot change terms and conditions.
Both parties must continue bargaining in good faith.

After the 30-day cooling-off period ends, can the Union strike?

Yes — but with important considerations. Once the 30-day cooling-off period expires, the Union may gain the legal right to engage in self-help, including a strike if authorized and voted on by the membership. However, it is important for members to understand that self-help applies to both sides.

What actions can the Company take after the cooling-off period?

After the cooling-off period ends, the Company also gains the right to take self-help actions, which may include:

Implementing its last, best, and final offer.
Lockouts.
Other actions permitted under the Railway Labor Act.

This is why the Union approaches every stage of this process strategically and deliberately. Any decision regarding job actions must fully consider the risks, legal framework, and potential impact on members.

Does entering a cooling-off period mean a strike will definitely happen?

No. Many agreements are reached during mediation or even during the cooling-off period. A cooling-off period simply means the NMB believes mediation has reached its limit — not that an agreement is impossible. The Union’s goal remains reaching a fair, negotiated agreement, particularly on wages, without exposing members to unnecessary risk.

What is the Union doing right now?

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