The National Mediation Board (NMB) published a notice of proposed rulemaking on May 15, 2012 to amend rules for handling union elections under the Railway Labor Act. The amendments incorporate changes required by the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 relating to run-off elections, showing of interest for representation elections and the NMB's rulemaking proceedings (see Legal Update, Railway Labor Act Amendments Change Union Election Procedures in Railroad and Airline Industries).

The NMB will accept comments on the proposed rulemaking received before July 17, 2012, at the regulations.gov website, the NMB website, or by e-mail, fax or mail to the NMB. All submissions must include the agency name and docket number, C–7034, and will be posted without change to the NMB website, including any personal information provided. The full text of the notice of proposed rulemaking is available on the Federal Register website.

Update: On May 22, 2012, the NMB invited interested persons to share their views on its proposed rule changes relating to the amendments to the RLA in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 during a public hearing on June 19, 2012.