Railroads, our first large corporations, are rapidly adapting to the deregulated climate of the 1990s. As we approach the 21st century, this book tells the story of the changing role of railroads in our economy and how the law has changed to meet the new competitive environment. Topics include abandonment and extension, railway labor law, rail passenger service, short line spinoffs, special problems of railroad employment and parallel deregulatory activity in Canada.

The authors deal with the changing railroad environment by describing the rail network of today, which has shrunk in route-miles but is in better shape than at any time since World War II. The changing role of rail employment is discussed, as well as government operation of Amtrak and commuter rail services. What regulation remains with the Interstate Commerce Commission and Federal Railroad Administration is described in detail. Finally, the authors go north of the border to show how Canada is facing rail deregulation and how Canadian railroads are playing a major part in the U.S. transportation scene. The authors close with a look at railroading as we approach the 21st century. Dooley and Thoms have written a comprehensive book for lawyers and rail enthusiasts alike.

Although Americans enjoy the convenience and economic benefits of the world's most advanced air transportation system, the future of the airline industry is clouded by capacity constraints, safety and environmental concerns, the consolidation of carriers, and, especially, airline labor relations under the Railway Labor Act. In this volume, William E. Thoms and Frank J. Dooley provide a comprehensive, authoritative overview of the history, the law, and the mechanics of modern airline labor bargaining. The authors trace the development of airline labor law, the representation and labor bargaining processes, and labor protection. The discussion is enhanced throughout by the inclusion of up-to-date case law. Other statutes which have an important impact on the employment relationship such as the Airline Deregulation Act are also considered in detail. Finally, the authors explore future issues which may affect relations between labor and management in the aviation industry.

The book begins by reviewing the background of airline labor law, providing insights into the origins of airline regulation. The authors then provide a thorough discussion of the Railway Labor Act negotiating process, including the requirements of the Act, procedural steps in major and minor disputes, the role of the National Mediation Board, and mandatory bargaining subjects. Six areas related to the settlement of disputes are then studied in greater detail: the distinction between major and minor disputes; the role of air transport system boards of adjustment; the purpose of emergency boards; the related concepts of impasse, economic self-help, and reinstatement; strikes, boycotts, and injunctions under the Railway Labor Act; and restrictions on subcontracting. The next two chapters examine other statutes affecting airline labor relationships and the labor protection provisions of the Railway Labor Act. The authors conclude by looking at future trends in aviation labor law and the impact of issues such as drug testing, employee ownership plans, and mergers on airline labor relations. Ideal as a set of readings for courses on transportation law, labor economics, and transportation management, this book will also be of significant interest to regulators, union leaders, and attorneys specializing in transportation issues.