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Judge Vacates Controversial Mediation Policy, Reinstates Mediators

1/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On December 30, 2025, Judge Arun Subramanian vacated the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) policy that limited mediation services and laid off mediators, a policy adopted in March 2025 under U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order.
He ruled the policy arbitrary and capricious and in conflict with the National Labor Relations Act.
The government has 60 days to appeal, but reinstatement of laid-off personnel should allow FMCS to continue mediation.

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Story summary

On December 30, 2025, Judge Arun Subramanian vacated the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) policy that limited mediation services and laid off mediators, a policy adopted in March 2025 under U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order.
He ruled the policy arbitrary and capricious and in conflict with the National Labor Relations Act.
The government has 60 days to appeal, but reinstatement of laid-off personnel should allow FMCS to continue mediation.