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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release April 24, 1995

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

              Emergency Board Proposes Framework to Settle 
            Contract Impasse on Metro-North Commuter Railroad

     Prospective wage increases totaling 10 percent from 1995 through

1997 has been recommended by a Presidential Emergency Board to resolve contract disputes between Metro-North Commuter Railroad and more than 4,000 of its workers in twelve unions.

The three-member Emergency Board was created on February 22, 1995 by President Clinton, pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, to forestall a potential crippling commuter strike in the New York metropolitan area, which could have affected more than 107,000 commuters. The Board submitted its recommendations today to the White House.

In addition to the wage increases, the Emergency Board recommended changes to work rules which would improve the railroad's efficiency. The Emergency Board also recommended certain benefits modifications and payments in recognition of new skills required by technological advances as well as for certain new licensing and certification requirements.

Although not legally binding on the parties, it is anticipated that the Emergency Board's recommendations will form the basis for a settlement of the disputes. If the parties fail to reach agreement, the Railway Labor Act provides for the appointment of a second Presidential Emergency Board which issues a recommendation based upon the parties' final offers. The Act, which is administered by the National Mediation Board, governs labor-management relations in the railroad and airline industries and provides the authority for creation of Presidential Emergency Boards.

The Emergency Board was chaired by Herbert L. Marx, Jr. and Lois A. Rappaport and Josef P. Sirefman served as members of the Board.

Copies of the Report may be obtained at the office of the National Mediation Board. (202) 523-5335

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