Catherwood LibraryILR School

As federal support for labor mediation dwindles, state governments are stepping in to fill the void left by deep staffing cuts to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) under the Trump administration. A judge has ordered the reinstatement of laid-off mediators, but many remain uncertain about their future, especially as the federal government appeals the ruling. With only four mediators left from a previous 143, states like California and Michigan are hiring and adjusting laws to avoid disruption in labor negotiations. Advocates warn that without sufficient mediation resources, more public sector disputes could escalate into strikes or litigation.