Documents and Data

Between 1982 and 2008, FMCS held a widely acclaimed biennial National Labor-Management Conference (NLMC). These conferences educated existing and prospective FMCS customers on cutting-edge labor-management relationship building and dispute resolution techniques and provided training in collaborative solutions to complex bargaining issues. FMCS conducted these conferences and associated activities in accordance with the Agency’s statutory responsibilities under the 1978 Labor-Management Cooperation Act.

Over its history, the FMCS labor-management conference gained a reputation for its high-quality programming, featuring nationally known speakers and workshop presenters, and providing outstanding learning and networking opportunities for labor relations practitioners. FMCS renewed its biennial conferences in 2016, hosting in-person events in Chicago in 2016 and 2018. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2022 conferences were held virtually. In 2024, FMCS, in collaboration with the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) and the International Labor and Employment Relations Association (ILERA), combined their conferences into a single event. This “Triad Conference” took place in New York City from June 26 to 30, 2024, at the Hilton Midtown Manhattan.

The NLMC offers not only educational sessions but also numerous networking opportunities, allowing participants to connect with peers, build professional relationships, and exchange ideas. The conference includes exhibits showcasing the latest tools, technologies, and services designed to support effective labor-management collaboration. By attending, stakeholders from both labor and management can stay informed about the latest trends, develop new skills, and reinforce their commitment to constructive engagement and mutual respect.

In addition to improving workplace relations, the NLMC plays a significant role in supporting the national economy. By fostering more effective labor-management collaboration, the conference helps reduce the likelihood of costly labor disputes, strikes, and work stoppages, which can disrupt industries and communities. These efforts lead to more stable and productive workplaces, ultimately boosting economic performance and competitiveness on a national scale.

The total expenses incurred by FMCS for the 2024 conference were $509,625.61. These expenses covered travel, per diem, and lodging for 130 FMCS employees who attended. In addition to participating in the conference, these employees provided logistical and programming assistance during the event and pre-conference seminars. The expenses associated with the conference were approved by the designated agency official on January 29, 2024, determining the conference expenses were necessary and appropriate as directly supporting FMCS’s mission by providing essential training, promoting best practices, and enhancing professional competencies among labor relations practitioners.