Standoff at FAA Related to National Mediation Board Ruling on Union Elections

In early August, a funding dispute in Congress resulted in the shutdown of the Federal Aviation Administration for nearly two weeks, costing thousands of jobs and nearly $350 million in lost tax revenue. The dispute centers around a recent ruling of the National Mediation Board which made union elections fairer. Under the new rule, unions seeking to represent employees are required to get a majority of votes actually cast in an election. Under the old rule, any worker who did not vote as a "no" vote and against the union. The funding dispute stems from Congressional attempts to reverse the rule, and make it harder for airline employees to join a union. The major effect of this change would be to make it harder for employees of a single airline, Delta Airlines, to join a union. The funding extension that ended the shutdown only extends until September 16th. Expect more controversy over this issue in coming weeks.