ALPA Applauds Puchala NMB Nomination

March 20, 2009 - ALPA applauds President Obama’s selection of Linda Puchala to serve as a member of the National Mediation Board (NMB). Ms. Puchala’s respect for the proper operation of the Railway Labor Act and her commitment to the collective bargaining process and resolving labor-management disputes has been demonstrated time and again during her work in other positions at the NMB.

“This nomination illustrates the Obama administration’s commitment to improving labor relations in the U.S. and is another positive step in the right direction. ALPA eagerly awaits Ms. Puchala’s Senate confirmation hearing,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA president.

Ms. Puchala is currently a senior mediator and the associate director of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Services at the NMB. She joined the Board in May 1999, working on both airline and railroad mediation cases. In her current capacity, Ms. Puchala directs the Board’s ADR training programs, develops and maintains the training curriculum, and delivers training and facilitates discussions between interested parties. She also remains active as a mediator in airline and railroad cases, and she conducts facilitation and grievance mediation.

Prior to joining the Board, Ms. Puchala had over 30 years of experience in labor relations, including work as the president of the Association of Flight Attendants–CWA, and as staff director of the Michigan State Employees Association, AFSCME. Ms. Puchala holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Cleary University in Howell, Mich.