The National Mediation Board's representation process commences with the filing of an application. Form NMB -1 Application for Investigation of Representation Dispute, is a two page form - page one is the Application for Investigation of Representation Dispute and page 2 is the Applicant Notice of Appearance. (Note - these forms were previously NMB -3.) Both pages must be completed and submitted to the NMB. [Click on the foregoing to access Form NMB -1. Use the BACK button on your browser to return to this page.]

The applicant is required to furnish all of the information requested on both pages of the NMB 1. The application must be signed by the Chief Executive of the labor organization or designee.

Authorization cards must be submitted with the application. The authorization cards must be signed by the employees in the craft or class which is listed on the application. If the employees are unrepresented, authorization cards from at least 35% of the craft or class must be submitted with the application. If the employees are represented and there is a valid existing collective bargaining agreement covering the employees, authorization cards from a majority of the craft or class must be submitted with the application.

The application is reviewed by agency staff and then assigned to an Investigator for investigation.