Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

In January, FMCS assisted Gibson Electric Membership Corporation and its employees represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 816 and Local 474 in reaching a new three-year agreement that averted a potential work stoppage. The negotiations involved more than 100 employees and covered critical utility operations serving communities across western Kentucky and western Tennessee.

This July, FMCS successfully mediated a contract settlement between Champaign County, Illinois, and AFSCME, averting a strike by nearly 150 county employees. The agreement, reached just four hours before a scheduled work stoppage, preserved vital public services across departments county-wide. By stabilizing essential operations serving more than 725,000 residents, the resolution ensured continued access to justice, safety, and infrastructure. The agreement also strengthens workforce retention through wage increases, paid parental leave, and healthcare savings, reinforcing public service delivery in the Urbana-Champaign region.

Did you know that in February 2025, FMCS successfully mediated a contract agreement between Providence hospitals and nurses represented by the Oregon Nurses Association and AFT, resolving the largest nurses’ strike in Oregon history?

The agreement covered 5,000 healthcare workers across eight hospitals and helped stabilize hospital operations, address staffing shortages, and implement Oregon’s nurse staffing law. FMCS’s intervention prevented further disruption to care, safeguarded patient safety, and reduced financial strain on the healthcare system, supporting continued medical access for more than 4 million Oregonians.

In March 2025, FMCS successfully mediated a first contract agreement between Silver State Transportation and ATU Local 1637, preventing a strike that threatened public transit services in Las Vegas. The resolution protected the daily commutes of 174,000 riders and preserved the operational flow of 404 buses across 39 routes, avoiding costly service disruptions. It sustained mobility for seniors, workers, and more than 2.2 million residents, ensuring continued access to jobs, healthcare, and education. By maintaining reliable transportation, the agreement supported regional economic activity, safeguarded investments in infrastructure, and helped sustain local business and workforce productivity.

🚨 Historic Mediation Success! 🚨
Did you know that FMCS played a pivotal role in averting a potential healthcare crisis at George Washington University affiliated hospitals in Washington, DC?

🔹 Today's Highlight:
In December 2024, FMCS successfully mediated a groundbreaking agreement between the hospitals and resident physicians and fellows. The requested intervention prevented a strike that would have disrupted care for nearly 1,900 patients daily, marking the first-ever contract settlement after over a year of challenging negotiations between the parties.

🔑 Economic Impact:
This landmark agreement preserved the hospital’s financial stability and operational efficiency, preventing costly service disruptions and easing economic strain on local taxpayers. The successful mediation not only secured uninterrupted patient care but also reinforced community trust in our vital healthcare system.

Learn more about FMCS and our role in fostering strong labor relations at fmcs.gov

Imagine a world where workplace disputes spiral out of control, halting industries and shaking the economy. That’s the world the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) was created to prevent.

🎥 In this episode of the FMCS 101 series, "FMCS History and Mission," we uncover the story of how FMCS became the nation’s trusted resource for resolving labor conflicts, fostering collaboration, and ensuring stability in workplaces across America. From its inception in 1947 to its role in shaping labor-management relations today, FMCS continues to prove why its mission is more relevant than ever.

The FMCS 101 series includes 12 standalone episodes, each offering a unique glimpse into the critical work FMCS does to prevent disputes, promote healthy labor-management relationships, and strengthen the US economy.

FMCS 101: FMCS History and Mission The 12-part FMCS 101 video series comprise a collection of engaging standalone episodes, each focusing on different aspects of the Agency's operations, role,...

🌟 FMCS Supports Economic Growth Through Mediation! 🌟

At FMCS, we help build stronger communities by fostering collaboration and resolving complex labor disputes.

🔹 **Today's highlight:** November 2024 – FMCS facilitated a new five-year agreement between the University of Chicago and Faculty Forward, representing more than 500 non-tenure-track faculty members. The agreement addresses key issues such as pay, benefits, and working conditions, supporting a more stable and committed workforce.

🔑 **Economic Impact:** This collaboration helps enhance educational opportunities, reduces workforce turnover, and boosts productivity. By fostering stability and investing in resources like childcare allowances, tuition benefits, and visa sponsorships, the agreement benefits both faculty and the broader Chicago community, contributing to long-term economic growth.

Learn more about FMCS and our role in fostering strong labor relations at fmcs.gov

Ever wondered how FMCS mediation works?

🎥 Dive into our FMCS 101 video series—a short-format video resource for understanding our Agency’s role in preventing and resolving conflicts.

In this episode, discover how mediation brings disputing parties together through a neutral third party. Learn how mediators uncover underlying issues, find middle ground, and guide parties toward solutions—without ever imposing decisions. Techniques like joint sessions, private caucuses, and sidebars make this process effective and collaborative.

FMCS 101: How Does Mediation Work? The 12-part FMCS 101 video series comprise a collection of engaging standalone episodes, each focusing on different aspects of the Agency's operations, role,...

🌟 Discover how FMCS contributes to the American economy! 🌟

Our mediation services help protect jobs and foster economic stability in communities nationwide.

🔹 Today's highlight: June 2023 - FMCS mediated a three-year agreement for NORTA employees, addressing driver shortages, employee morale, and safety, preventing service disruptions, and ensuring reliable public transportation for residents of New Orleans, supporting economic stability and growth​.

Learn more about FMCS and our positive economic and labor relations impact at fmcs.gov

Conflict Resolution Day is coming Oct. 17!
Join us for a FREE Conflict Resolution Day virtual event!

“Bridging Divides: The Power of ADR in a Changing World"
October 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST
REGISTER HERE: https://fmcs.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_qc2CuEDvRv6Ehro-8I0ZiA #/registration

A dynamic exploration of the evolving role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through:

• TED-style Talks: Engaging, 20-minute presentations on:
o The Evolution of ADR in the Digital Age
o The Role of Cultural Awareness in Resolving Conflicts
o Restorative Justice: Mediation as a Tool for Healing

• Concurrent Mediator Trainings: Specialized sessions to enhance your skills. Choose between:
o Legal Updates and Key Trends in ADR
o Cultural Competence in Mediation

• Panel Discussion: The Future of ADR: Innovative Approaches for the Modern World
o A conversation with pioneers in Virtual Mediation, Restorative Justice, and How the Arts Inform the Future of Mediation.

Save the date and join us to deepen your expertise and continue advancing peace through ADR!

Join Brandeis University's Heller School for Social Policy Oct. 17-18, 2024 & Feb. 18-19, 2025 for a two-day virtual workshop: Negotiating Labor Agreements.

Virtual Workshop: Generate mutual gains through collective bargaining -- Oct. 17-18 & Feb. 18-19 Virtual Workshop: Generate mutual gains through collective bargaining -- Oct. 17-18 & Feb. 18-19 Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service sent this bulletin at 09/24/2024 03:30 PM EDT Negotiating Labor Agreements Virtual Workshop Dear FMCS Customers: Collective bargaining has the potential to deli...

Following the notification of work stoppage by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in their ongoing contract negotiations with The Boeing Company (Boeing), the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is convening the parties to meet with a federal mediator.

PRESS RELEASE: FMCS Statement on the Resumption of Mediation Efforts Amid Boeing-IAM Contract Dispute PRESS RELEASE: FMCS Statement on the Resumption of Mediation Efforts Amid Boeing-IAM Contract Dispute Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service sent this bulletin at 09/13/2024 07:05 PM EDT Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to News and Announcements for Fe...