FLRA NEWS
FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY – WASHINGTON, DC 20424
Contact: Eric Prag FLRA.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 771-444-5859 March 24, 2026
FLRA Revises Representation Regulations to Provide Decisions by Authority Members
The Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) today announced a key organizational change to
enhance efficiency in handling representation matters.
Through a pair of Federal Register notices—Notice 1 and Notice 2—the FLRA is streamlining
the decision-making process in representation matters by adopting an interim final rule that
amends 5 C.F.R. Parts 2421, 2422, 2426, and 2429. Beginning in 30 days, representation cases
will be resolved collaboratively between the FLRA’s Regional Directors and the Authority—the
agency’s bipartisan, three-Member body appointed by the President and confirmed by the
Senate.
Under the current process for representation matters, Regional Directors issue an initial decision,
and parties may appeal that decision to the Authority. The Authority then issues a potentially
duplicative decision resolving the representation appeal. The new process eliminates this two
layered structure for most cases because the Authority will exercise its statutory responsibility to
make representation determinations specified in 5 U.S.C. § 7105(e)(1), eliminating the need for
burdensome appeals.
Parties will not need to do anything differently when filing cases under the new process.
Representation cases will continue to be filed with FLRA’s regional offices.
Although the interim final rule is effective April 23, 2026, the FLRA welcomes comments on the
rule. Notice 1 includes instructions for submitting comments, which must be received by April
23, 2026.
The FLRA is adopting these organizational changes to streamline its representation processes,
reduce potential delays, and optimize workforce resources. These adjustments align with
workforce efficiency goals outlined in Executive Order 14210.
See the Federal Register notices for more information: Notice 1 and Notice 2. For more
information on the Authority, click here.
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The FLRA administers the labor-management relations program for federal employees (excluding
postal service employees) worldwide. It is charged with providing leadership in establishing
policies and guidance related to federal sector labor-management relations and with resolving
disputes under, and ensuring compliance with, the Federal Service Labor-Management Relations
Statute.