Federal layoffs have been a focal point of President Trump’s administration, drawing both strong support and opposition. On March 15, Trump issued an executive order directing seven federal agencies to make workforce cuts. Among the agencies affected was the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Downsizing this agency could prove problematic for resolving many employer-union disputes moving forward.

What Is the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service?

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) is a small, independent federal agency that provides mediation and conflict resolution services for employer-union conflicts. FMCS works to prevent, curtail, and resolve work stoppages and labor disputes, including offering free services for collective bargaining mediation.

Established in 1947 under the Labor Management Relations Act (commonly known as the Taft-Hartley Act), FMCS has played a crucial role in preventing strikes and facilitating workplace negotiations. It has assisted some of the nation’s largest companies, including Starbucks, Boeing, and Apple. As of Fiscal Year 2023, FMCS mediated 2,467 collective bargaining negotiations, 1,265 high-impact grievance mediations, and 1,100 alternative dispute resolution (ADR) cases. It also conducted 1,566 single or multi-day training and intervention programs, provided 9,706 arbitration panels, and appointed 4,126 arbitrators.

What Did the Executive Order Say?

Trump’s executive order, titled Continuing the...

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