04/26/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2024 08:58
What GAO Found
The National Mediation Board (NMB), which facilitates labor relations for railroads and airlines, has implemented two of GAO's four remaining recommendations from past reports. Specifically, NMB has updated its privacy policy and developed a process to track issues raised by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Inspector General's (IG) office, which operates a hotline on NMB's behalf. However, NMB has not yet fully implemented the other two recommendations. NMB has not updated its continuity of operations plan, a key component of an information security program. The agency also continues to use two cloud services that are not federally approved. By not fully implementing these recommendations, NMB is increasingly vulnerable to information security risks to its data and systems.
Status of GAO Recommendations to the National Mediation Board
In addition, NMB faces challenges related to its workforce planning, training, and personnel policies.
Why GAO Did This Study
NMB was created by a 1934 amendment to the Railway Labor Act. It plays a critical role in helping airline and railway carriers resolve labor disputes to avoid work stoppages and prevent disruptions to interstate commerce.
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 includes a provision for GAO to evaluate NMB programs and activities every 2 years. Between 2013 and 2022, GAO issued five reports that included a total of 18 recommendations. As of the start of this review in May 2023, NMB had implemented 14 of those recommendations.
This sixth report examines (1) the extent to which NMB has taken actions to implement the four remaining recommendations from GAO's prior reports; and (2) any other challenges NMB faces in key management areas and in overseeing its operations.
GAO reviewed relevant federal laws and regulations and examined NMB documents, plans, policies, and practices. GAO also interviewed officials from NMB, an NMB advisory group, the NLRB IG, and NMB's independent financial auditor.