Notice to Mediation Agency
| Published date | 22 July 2021 |
| Citation | 86 FR 38627 |
| Record Number | 2021-14929 |
| Section | Proposed rules |
| Court | Federal Mediation And Conciliation Service |
Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 138 (Thursday, July 22, 2021)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 138 (Thursday, July 22, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 38627]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14929]
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FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE
29 CFR 1402
RIN 3076-AA16
Notice to Mediation Agency
AGENCY: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).
ACTION: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), hereby
publishes notice of proposed rulemaking to solicit comments on the
following modification to the submission method of information
collection request, Notice to Mediation Agency, (Agency Form F-7). FMCS
proposes to change its method of submission from mail-in to electronic
submission. In addition, FMCS proposes to remove the language from the
Form F-7.
DATES: Comments must be submitted on or before August 23, 2021.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments through one of the following
methods:
Email: Arthur Pearlstein, [email protected].
Mail: Arthur Pearlstein, HQ Office of Arbitration, One
Independence Square, 250 E St. SW, Washington, DC 20427. Please note
that as of September 11, 2020, the FMCS office is not open for visitors
and mail is not checked daily. Therefore, we encourage emailed
inquiries.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arthur Pearlstein, Director,
Arbitration, Notice Processing, Shared Neutrals, [email protected],
202-606-8103.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
This modification will change the submission process of information
collection request, Notice to Mediation Agency, (Agency Form F-7) from
mail-in to electronic submission. This revision is necessary to
increase efficiency of FMCS both by allowing FMCS to receive Agency
Form F-7's more quickly, but also to reduce processing time. This will
allow the Service to provide its services to the parties more quickly.
This revision will also remove the language which includes the verbiage
of the Form-F7, to allow for FMCS to modify the form, if necessary,
without necessitating additional rule change.
II. Authority for This Rulemaking
FMCS' authority to issue rules is found in 29 U.S.C. 172 of Taft
Harley Act of 1947. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority.
III. Comments Invited
FMCS solicits comments to
(i) Evaluate whether the proposed change of submission from mail-in
to electronic is necessary, including whether the change will have
practical utility.
(ii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
collection submission process.
(iii) Minimize the burden of the collections of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated,
electronic collection technologies or other forms of information
technology.
IV. Discussion of Proposed Amendments Section by Section
The following describes the specific changes proposed by this
rulemaking:
FMCS revises the language ``shall be in writing.'' to
``electronically via a platform provided by FMCS. If electronic
submission creates an undue hardship, the filer may contact the FMCS
Notice Processing office to explain the circumstances and receive
assistance.''
FMCS revises the language ``The following Form F-7, for
use by the parties in filing a notice of dispute, has been prepared by
the Service:'' to ``The Form F-7, for use by the parties in filing a
notice of dispute, has been prepared by the Service.''
FMCS removes the form titled ``Notice to Mediation
Agencies''.
List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 1402
Information Collection Requests.
In consideration of the foregoing, FMCS proposed to amend 29 CFR
1402.1 as follows:
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1. The authority citation for part 1402 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Sec. 202, 61 Stat. 153, sec. 3, 80 Stat. 250, sec.
203, 61 Stat. 153; 5 U.S.C. 552, 29 U.S.C. 172, 173.
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2. Revise Sec. 1402.1 to read as follows:
Sec. 1402.1 Notice of Dispute.
The notice of dispute filed with the Federal Mediation and
Conciliation Service pursuant to the provisions of section 8(d)(3), of
the Labor-Management Relations Act, 1947, as amended, shall be
submitted electronically via a platform provided by FMCS. If electronic
submission creates an undue hardship, the filer may contact the FMCS
Notice Processing office to explain the circumstances and receive
assistance. The Form F-7, for use by the parties in filing a notice of
dispute, has been prepared by the Service.
Sarah Cudahy,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2021-14929 Filed 7-21-21; 8:45 am]
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