Mediation and Conciliation Service
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Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is an independent agency that facilitates the resolution of labor disputes, helping to maintain industrial peace and boost productivity in the U.S. economy.
Mission
The mission of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service is to reduce or prevent labor-management disputes that could interrupt commerce. By offering mediation, arbitration, and other conflict resolution tools, FMCS helps to negotiate labor agreements, resolve disputes, and cultivate cooperative labor-management relationships.
Parent organization
FMCS operates as an independent agency without a parent organization, directly serving under the authority of the President of the United States.
Legislation
FMCS was established by Executive Order 10001 in 1947 by President Truman, later codified into law with the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947.
Partners
FMCS collaborates with:
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Various labor unions and management groups.
Number of employees
FMCS has approximately 240 employees.
Organization structure
Mediation Division
The primary function of this division is to facilitate negotiations between disputing parties without imposing a solution. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party, known as a mediator, helps the parties communicate, clarify issues, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
Arbitration Services
Arbitration serves as an alternative to court litigation where an arbitrator or a panel makes a decision after hearing arguments and evidence from both sides. This decision can be binding or non-binding based on prior agreement.
Training and Education
This division focuses on equipping individuals and organizations with the skills needed to manage and resolve conflicts effectively, thereby preventing disputes from escalating.
List of programs
- Mediation Services - https://www.fmcs.gov/services/mediation/
- Arbitration Services - https://www.fmcs.gov/services/arbitration/
- Relationship Development and Training - https://www.fmcs.gov/services/training/
Last total enacted budget
The last total enacted budget for FMCS was approximately $50 million for the 2024 Fiscal Year.
Leader
The organization is led by a Director.
Services provided
FMCS offers mediation to resolve disputes before they escalate into strikes or lockouts, provides arbitrators for binding arbitration, conducts preventive mediation to avert conflicts, and offers training in conflict resolution and negotiation skills. They also facilitate relationship development between labor and management to foster cooperation and improve workplace environments.
Regulations overseen
FMCS does not directly oversee regulations but supports the implementation of labor laws by facilitating peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Headquarters address
250 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20447, USA
History
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service was established in 1947 to help manage labor disputes in the post-war United States, aiming to keep economic disruptions to a minimum. Over the years, FMCS has expanded its services to include preventive mediation, training, and broader relationship development strategies, adapting to the changing landscape of labor relations.