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Last week, the National Mediation Board (NMB) extended the comment period on proposed changes to rules governing railroad grievance arbitration from Sept. 8 to Sept. 20.

The proposed rule changes include a new requirement that, in order to be paid with public funds, arbitrators must resolve arbitrations within one year from the date when notices are filed, unless a waiver is granted by the NMB director of arbitration services. The board also would create an arbitrator fee schedule to encourage parties to make more efficient use of the NMB's arbitration services.

In addition, the rule changes would bar the board from assigning additional cases to arbitrators who do not meet specified time frames for processing cases.

Comments should be submitted in writing by Sept. 20 to Roland Watkins, director of arbitration services, 1301 K. St. NW, Suite 250 East, Washington, D.C. 20005. Comments also may be submitted via email at arb@nmb.gov.