RLA Resources

The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is a federal law that governs labor relations in the airlines industry. This page is dedicated to providing you and your family with all the information you need to know as we continue down the RLA path. SWAPA will update this page regularly, so please continue to check back. If you have any questions, please reach out to spc@swapa.org

Request for Release

On June 29, SWAPA submitted a formal request for release to the National Mediation Board (NMB). After nearly three-and-a-half years of Section 6 bargaining, including more than eight months under the auspices of federal mediation, the time has come. While we are certain that our decision is the right one, your Negotiating Committee did not make it lightly. As of now, the NMB has not responded to our request, and we can’t be sure when they will, but rest assured that SWAPA will be prepared for any outcome.

This action is the next step afforded to SWAPA under the Railway Labor Act. If you have any questions about what's next, please reference the RLA chart below. 

Important Dates to Know

Events
July 13
SWAPAfamily Salt Lake City
July 17
DAL Roundup
August 14
MDW Spirit Party IP
August 24
SWAPAfamily ATL
August 31
Multi-Base Picket: ATL, BWI, HOU, LAX, MDW 

September 20
DEN Spirit Party IP
 For more information on any of these events and how to register, click here

 

RLA Education

Part 1: A Little History, the RLA, and the NMB
Part 2: Arbitration Answers
Part 3: Section 6 Notice
Part 4: Status Quo, Cooling Off Periods, and Self Help
Part 5: The RLA in Practice
Management's Playbook
RLA Path
Strike Prep Booklet
"30" (Stella Dulanya, Railway Labor Act)
Update from SWAPA Leadership January 18, 2023