Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate a Dispute Between Northwest Airlines, Inc., and Its Employees Represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association

This executive order establishes a three-member emergency board to investigate a labor dispute between Northwest Airlines and its mechanics' union (AMFA) under the Railway Labor Act. The board is tasked with reporting to the President within 30 days, during which time the parties are prohibited from changing working conditions.

Federal Register Open PDF 66 FR 15011

Impact dates

May 11, 2001
Status quo period ends (30 days after report)
Apr 11, 2001
Board must report to President
Mar 12, 2001
Emergency Board established

Key directives

Establish three-member Emergency Board effective March 12, 2001
Board members must have no financial or other interest in airline unions or carriers
Board must report to President within 30 days of creation
Parties prohibited from changing dispute conditions from Board creation through 30 days after report submission
Board records to be maintained by National Mediation Board after termination
Board terminates upon report submission

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Emergency Board established effective March 12, 2001
30-day status quo period begins upon Board creation
parties prohibited from changing conditions

Near term (90d)

Board must report to President by approximately April 11, 2001
Board terminates upon report submission
30-day cooling-off period continues after report

Long term

Potential for renewed negotiations or self-help after cooling-off period expires
precedent for presidential intervention in airline labor disputes

Risks & tensions

Unclear whether parties will accept board recommendations or proceed to self-help after cooling-off period
Vague: 'subject to availability of funds' may constrain Board operations
Dispute already deemed to threaten 'essential transportation service' — potential for strike or lockout after procedures conclude