Requests for Arbitration Panels

Summary

The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) published an interim final rule on August 4, 2026, and republished on August 28, 2026, that amended its arbitration services regulations to clarify when the Office of Arbitration may decline to issue an arbitration panel, make a direct appointment, or provide related services. This document responds to the comments, clarifies the scope of the rule's threshold inquiry, adds procedural provisions governing notice, written disposition, request dates, and fees, and adopts the interim final rule as a final rule.