At the present time, Congress has not passed an appropriation for the National Mediation Board (NMB) for Fiscal Year 2008.  The NMB is presently operating under a second continuing resolution which expires on December 14, 2007.  As a result, there is limited funding for arbitration. 

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

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 December, 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.