[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 147 (Wednesday, August 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Page 50865]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-16431]


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FEDERAL MEDIATION AND CONCILIATION SERVICE


Notice of Fee Increase for Arbitration Services

AGENCY: Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), is 
issuing this notice to inform the public that it will increase fees 
associated with its arbitration services.

DATES: Fee increases will begin on October 1, 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Arthur Pearlstein, Federal Mediation 
and Conciliation Service, One Independence Square, 250 E St. SW, 
Washington, DC 20427; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    Pursuant to FMCS's enabling statutes, 29 U.S.C. 172 and 173, and 29 
CFR part 1404, FMCS has long maintained a roster of qualified, private 
labor arbitrators to hear disputes arising under collective bargaining 
agreements and provide fact finding and interest arbitration. 29 U.S.C. 
173(f) authorizes FMCS to establish and collect fees for arbitration 
services.

II. Discussion

    FMCS periodically reviews its arbitration program to access its 
efficiency. FMCS's last review occurred in 2019, which resulted in 
updating its arbitration regulations and a modest increase in user fees 
that had previously remained unchanged for more than eight years prior. 
FMCS has conducted a similar review and determined that the current 
user fees require additional adjustment to attain full-cost recovery 
for FMCS's arbitration services.
    The following fees for FMCS's arbitration services will change:
     Annual listing fee for arbitrators who have completed less 
than 5 years on the Roster: Change from $150 to $200 for first address, 
Change from $50 to $75 for each additional address.
     Annual listing fee for arbitrators who have completed 5 or 
more years on the Roster: Change from $250 to $300 for first address 
and change from $100 to $125 for each additional address.
     A Request for a Panel of arbitrators (up to 7) processed 
online: Change from $35 to $100.
     Request for Panel of arbitrators (up to 13) processed 
manually by FMCS staff: Change from $70 to $175.
     Request for List of arbitrators (up to 13) processed 
manually by FMCS staff: Change from $35 to $175.
     Direct manual appointment of an arbitrator when a panel is 
not used: Change from $30 to $100.
    As a reminder, payment is through Pay.gov at http://www.pay.gov 
which includes payment by debit, credit card, or electronic funds 
transfer (e-check). Although an electronic payment is preferred, if 
Pay.gov submission creates an undue hardship, payees may contact 
[email protected] to explain the circumstances and receive assistance.
    FMCS will continue to review the user fees periodically and will 
revise it as necessary. Any changes in the fees and their effective 
date will be announced in the Federal Register.

    Dated: July 28, 2023.
Anna Davis,
General Counsel.
[FR Doc. 2023-16431 Filed 8-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6732-01-P