Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between Certain Railroads Represented by the National Railway Labor Conference and Their- Employees Represented by Certain Labor Organizations

President Clinton established a three-member Emergency Board to investigate unresolved labor disputes between numerous railroads and several labor organizations under the Railway Labor Act. The Board must report within 30 days, during which time both parties are prohibited from changing the disputed conditions. The Board terminates automatically upon submitting its report.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 25771

Impact dates

Jul 16, 1996
Status quo period ends (30 days after report)
Jun 16, 1996
Board must report to President
May 17, 1996
Emergency Board established

Key directives

Establish three-member Emergency Board effective May 17, 1996
Board members appointed by President with no financial interest in railroads or labor organizations
Board must report to President within 30 days of creation
Maintain status quo conditions for 30 days after Board reports
Board records maintained by National Mediation Board after termination
Board terminates upon report submission

Timeline

Immediate

Emergency Board established effective May 17, 1996
30-day status quo period begins preventing strikes or lockouts

Near term (90d)

Board must report to President by June 16, 1996
Status quo period extends 30 days after report submission
Board terminates upon report submission

Long term

Dispute resolution depends on parties accepting Board recommendations or further negotiations under Railway Labor Act framework
Potential for future emergency boards if disputes remain unresolved

Risks & tensions

Limited to investigation and reporting; no binding arbitration authority
Parties may reject recommendations leading to renewed dispute threat
Large number of railroads involved suggests widespread economic impact if later strike occurs
'Subject to availability of funds' creates uncertainty if appropriations lapse