The following diagrams are meant to show the Railway Labor Act negotiation processes for both the Non-Commuter and the Commuter operations.  The Non-Commuter diagram applies to all rail freight operations, Amtrak, and Airlines.  The Communter diagram applies to the rail Commuter operations and falls under Section 9 (a) of the RLA (Section 159a. Special Procedures for commuter service)

In the first two diagrams, the color red is used to signify when neither party has control of the decision although they both may try to influence it.  The main emphasis is to focus on the process in its entirety, more for a strategic assessment of were the process may potentially lead.  This will vary depending on the participants, the situation in which the participants find themselves, and the mindset of those third parties that  may directly affect the course of the process.   

The second two diagrams were earlier versions; they use a circle to show that neither party has control of the decision.  These were done more to focus the potential for third party direct intervention; it is geared more to risk analysis approach focusing on the decision points with empasis on third party control in the decision process.  

Chart with 2nd PEB used for PRC RLA Panel Discussion - 9/25/2003.

Click on Picture to enlarge.

You may also find helpful the National Mediation Board's Chart of the RLA collective bargaining process.