What is the purpose of the Railway Labor Act?

The Railway Labor Act is designed specifically to govern employment relations within the airline and railroad industries. Its primary purpose is to ensure that labor disputes in these critical sectors are resolved in a way that minimizes disruptions to transportation services. The Act facilitates collective bargaining between unions and employers, promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes through mandatory negotiation and mediation processes. This is particularly important in the context of railroads and airlines, where strikes or other disruptions could have widespread effects on the economy and public safety.

This focus on the railway and airline sectors distinguishes the Railway Labor Act from laws that might apply more generally to other industries. By fostering stable labor relations in such essential areas, the Act helps maintain uninterrupted transportation services, which are vital for commerce and the movement of people.