November 20, 2007 - The Machinists Union and its coalition partners, the Transportation Communications Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Transport Workers Union, today attended a meeting called by the National Mediation Board (NMB) with Amtrak officials. It was the first face-to-face meeting of the parties since the NMB released the parties from mediation on October 31, 2007. Sticking points continue to be retroactive wages, employee healthcare contributions and work rule changes.
“Amtrak came with proposals that were even more unacceptable than previous terms,” said District 19 President Joe Duncan. “We are headed for either a Presidential Emergency Board or a strike. The Machinists Union is prepared for both.”
A Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) can be ordered by the President of the United States. Once empanelled, a PEB has 30 days to investigate the dispute and issue its non-binding recommendations for settlement. After the PEB reports to the President, the parties to the dispute have a second 30-day cooling-off period to consider its recommendations. If no agreement is reached, the parties will be free to engage in self-help at the end of the second cooling-off period. The company can then lockout workers or impose employment terms and the union is free to strike.
Although a PEB has not yet been ordered, the union coalition met separately to prepare for the expected PEB hearings.
