Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) published an interim final rule on August 4, 2026, and republished on August 28, 2026, that amended its arbitration services regulations to clarify when the Office of Arbitration may decline to issue an arbitration panel, make a direct appointment, or provide related services. This document responds to the comments, clarifies the scope of the rule's threshold inquiry, adds procedural provisions governing notice, written disposition, request dates, and fees, and adopts the interim final rule as a final rule.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service 29 CFR Part 1404 RIN 3076-AA31 AGENCY: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) published an interim final rule on August 4, 2026, and republished on August 28, 2026, that amended its arbitration services regulations to clarify when the Office of Arbitration may decline to issue an arbitration panel, make a direct appointment, or provide related services. This document responds to the comments, clarifies the scope of the rule's threshold inquiry, adds procedural provisions governing notice, written disposition, request dates, and fees, and adopts the interim final rule as a final rule. DATES: This final rule is effective October 29, 2026. The amendments to 29 CFR 1404.9 , 1404.10 , 1404.11 , and 1404.12 made by the interim final rule have been in effect since August 4, 2026. ADDRESSES: The interim final rule, the comments received, and this final rule are available on FMCS's public website at www.fmcs.gov . The comments received are also available for public inspection, by appointment, at the Office of General Counsel, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, One Independence Square, 250 E St. SW, Washington, DC 20427. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anna Davis, General Counsel, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, (202) 606-3737, adavis@fmcs.gov . SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background A. FMCS's Arbitration Services and the Interim Fin…
Citation: 91 FR 68030
