The Adamson Railway Labor Act: Key Insights and Legal Implications

Definition & Meaning

The Adamson Railway Labor Act, enacted in 1916, is a federal law in the United States designed to address labor disputes in the railroad industry. Its primary goal was to prevent strikes by promoting mediation, bargaining, and arbitration as methods for resolving conflicts between railroad companies and their employees. The Act established a Board of Mediation to facilitate these processes.

Key provisions of the Act include:

  • A standard workday of eight hours.
  • Additional compensation for overtime work.

The Act initially applied to both public and private railroad companies, and its provisions were later extended to the airline industry through an amendment in 1936. However, the Adamson Railway Labor Act became dormant in 1996 when it was repealed.

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A railroad worker files a complaint regarding excessive overtime hours without proper compensation. Under the Adamson Railway Labor Act, the worker can seek mediation to resolve the issue and ensure they receive the overtime pay owed.

Example 2: An airline employee raises a dispute over working hours. The provisions of the Act allow for arbitration to settle the disagreement, ensuring a fair resolution based on the established guidelines. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Description Difference
National Labor Relations Act A federal law governing labor relations in the private sector. Focuses on collective bargaining and union rights, while the Adamson Act specifically addresses railroad and airline industries.
Railway Labor Act A law that governs labor relations in the railroad and airline industries. The Adamson Act is a part of this broader law, specifically addressing working hours and overtime compensation.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are involved in a labor dispute within the railroad or airline industries, consider seeking mediation or arbitration as outlined by the Adamson Railway Labor Act. You can explore US Legal Forms for ready-to-use legal templates to assist in your situation. If the matter is complex, consulting a legal professional is advisable to ensure your rights are protected.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Year Enacted 1916
Key Provisions Eight-hour workday, overtime pay
Industries Affected Railroad, airline
Status Repealed in 1996

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

No, the Act was repealed in 1996.