The NMB helps maintain the flow of interstate commerce in the U.S. Airline and Railroad industries through Mediation, Representation, Arbitration, and Alternative Dispute Resolution services.

The NMB assists the parties in reaching or revising Collective Bargaining Agreements concerning pay, benefits and working conditions.

The NMB offers facilitation and training to help the parties resolve collective-bargaining disputes.  Grievance Mediation is also available as an alternative to Arbitration.

The NMB holds elections to determine which union, if any, employees want to represent them and otherwise assures elections occur without interference, influence or coercion.

The NMB offers Arbitration of Collective Bargaining cases not-resolved through Mediation.  The agency also funds certain types of railroad employee-grievance Arbitration cases.