Legal Definitions - Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is an independentfederal agency that helps prevent the interruption of commerce resulting from labor-management disputes. The agency achieves this by assisting the parties involved in the dispute to settle their differences through mediation and conciliation.

The FMCS can intervene on its own authority or at the request of a party to the dispute. It also helps employers and unions select qualified arbitrators. The agency was established by the Labor-Management Relations Act of 1947.

For example, if a union and an employer are unable to reach an agreement on wages and working conditions, they may request the assistance of the FMCS. The agency will then work with both parties to help them find a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute.

Another example is when a strike or lockout is imminent, and the parties involved are unable to resolve their differences. The FMCS can intervene and help the parties reach a settlement, thereby preventing the interruption of commerce.