(a) Upon the Secretary's own motion, in an existing, imminent or threatened labor dispute, the Secretary may, and, upon the request of the parties or either party to the dispute, the Secretary must take such steps as the Secretary may deem expedient to effect a voluntary, amicable and expeditious adjustment and settlement of the differences and issues between employer and employees which have precipitated or culminated in or threaten to precipitate or culminate in such labor dispute. To this end, it shall be the duty of the Secretary to:
(1) Arrange for, hold, adjourn or reconvene a conference or conferences between the disputants or 1 or more of their representatives or any of them;
(2) Invite the disputants or their representatives or any of them to attend such conference and submit, either orally or in writing, the grievances of and differences between the disputants;
(3) Discuss such grievances and differences with the disputants and their representatives; and
(4) Assist in negotiating and drafting agreements for the adjustment in settlement of such grievances and differences and for the termination or avoidance, as the case may be, of the existing or threatened labor dispute.
In carrying out any of its work under this chapter, the Secretary may designate 1 of the members of the Department or an employee of the Department to act in the Secretary's own behalf and may delegate to such designee 1 or more of the Secretary's duties under this section and, for such purpose, such designee shall have all of the powers conferred by this section upon the Secretary in connection with the discharge of the duty or duties so delegated.
(b) The Secretary may also appoint and designate other persons or groups of persons to act for and on the Secretary's behalf and may delegate to such persons or groups of persons any and all of the power conferred upon the Secretary by this chapter so far as it is reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. Such persons shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for any necessary expenses.