Railroads Seek Release from Mediation With Teamsters’ Coalition
Cite “No Discernible Progress” Toward Agreements
WASHINGTON – December 16, 2005 – The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it has asked the National Mediation Board (NMB) to release the railroads from mediation with the seven-member union coalition led by the Teamsters union, citing “no discernible progress” toward voluntary agreements.
Despite the best efforts of the mediator assigned by the NMB, “vast differences between the parties still persist on virtually every significant issue,” Robert F. Allen, chairman of the NCCC, said in letters filed today with the board.
The release is required before negotiations can progress to the next level. Under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), the parties must complete a series of steps aimed at encouraging negotiated settlements.
The NCCC had filed applications with the NMB on June 10 for mediation with the Teamsters’ Rail Labor Bargaining Coalition. The railroads are continuing negotiations with the United Transportation Union under the auspices of the NMB and are not asking for release from mediation at this time. The NCCC is also in talks with four other rail unions.
The NCCC emphasized that the railroads are confident the issues will be resolved without any disruptions to freight rail service. The RLA process historically has led to voluntary agreements before or after the appointment of Presidential Emergency Boards (PEB) to review the issues and make recommendations.
“We need to reach agreements in a timely manner,” Allen said. “Our goal is to modernize work rules to ensure long-term growth and stability for the industry.”
In letters to the NMB, the NCCC said “there is no reasonable expectation that further mediation will produce a voluntary agreement” with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, and the five other unions that belong to the Teamsters’ coalition.
The National Carriers’ Conference Committee of the National Railway Labor Conference, headquartered in Washington, DC, is the national bargaining agent for 32 railroads, including all of the nation’s major freight carriers, involved in the current round of bargaining with 13 major rail unions. Employees covered in the current round include more than 90 percent of unionized freight rail employees.
Joanna Moorhead
National Railway Labor Conference
(202) 862-7257
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