At the present time, Congress has not passed an appropriation for the National Mediation Board (NMB) for Fiscal Year 2008. It is anticipated that the NMB will be operating on a continuing resolution. The length of the continuing resolution is not known.

All arbitrators are notified that no funds will be authorized for travel for the month of October.

Once a continuing resolution is passed, the NMB will make every effort to authorize some days that may be utilized for decisions in accordance with the NMB’s policy for the past two fiscal years. However, these authorizations will be made with minimal advanced notice.

All arbitrators are reminded that during the month of October, you are not authorized to hear any board or NRAB cases if the board or NRAB case is one in which the NMB will compensate the arbitrator. The Anti-Deficiency Act precludes arbitrators from hearing cases for free.

The Agency will continue to update you on its appropriation status.

This memorandum does not apply to party pay boards or cases.