(202)523-5920

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD Washington, D.C. 20572

The services of the National Mediation Board were invoked by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), on October 31, 1997, to investigate and determine who may represent for the purposes of the Railway Labor Act, as provided by Section 2, Ninth, thereof, personnel described as "Ground Service Employees", employees of AirTran Airlines.

The IBT took the position that these employees should be included in its certification in R-6455 which covers the craft or class of Mechanics and Related Employees.

The Board assigned Mediator Gale L. Oppenberg to investigate.

FINDINGS

The Mediator's investigation established that Ground Service Employees on AirTran Airlines are part of the craft or class of Mechanics and Related Employees and the Mediator ruled accordingly on December 18, 1997. This ruling was not appealed.

The Board finds that Ground Service Employees are included in the craft or class of Mechanics and Related Employees employed by AirTran Airlines and are encompassed in the Board's certification in R-6455. As there is no further need for investigation or election, the IBT's application is dismissed.

By direction of the NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD.

Stephen E. Crable

Chief of Staff

Copy to:

James M. Walters, Esq.

Mr. Ray Benning

Paula J. Caira, Esq.