Application of a bright-line rule for strikes and other forms of economic force under the
RLA has substantial benefits in terms of enhanced certainty and reduced transaction costs.
Certain that strikes will always be barred in the absence of exhaustion, the parties are freed from
the temptation to litigate over minor disputes, and encouraged to fully utilize the dispute
resolution procedures of the Act in a timely and efficient manner. Likewise, the surety that
carriers and unions will be free to use virtually any means of self-help in the post-exhaustion