What is the primary function of the National Mediation Board (NMB)?

The primary function of the National Mediation Board (NMB) is to oversee election procedures for union representation. This role is crucial in the aviation and railway industries, where the NMB ensures that elections for labor unions are conducted fairly and democratically. By supervising these elections, the NMB helps to determine whether employees wish to be represented by a union, thereby playing a fundamental role in the labor relations process.

The NMB is specifically tasked with facilitating the representation process, which includes investigating petitions for union representation, conducting secret-ballot elections, and certifying the results. This oversight ensures that the wishes of the employees regarding union representation are accurately reflected and respected.

While the NMB does play a part in facilitating negotiations and mediating disputes, its definitive and primary responsibility is centered on the electoral process for labor unions, making the oversight of election procedures the correct focus in this context.