THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

       PRESIDENTIAL EMERGENCY BOARDS SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS
        TO SETTLE DISPUTES BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND LABOR IN
                     U.S. RAIL FREIGHT INDUSTRY

Three Presidential Emergency Boards appointed by President Clinton to examine unresolved contract disputes in the nation's rail freight industry submitted their reports to President Clinton on Sunday, June 23, 1996.

The three Boards were established by President Clinton in May, 1996 pursuant to his authority under the Railway Labor Act in order to forestall potential lockouts and/or work stoppages on the nation's Class I freight railroads. Under procedures set forth in the Act, for 30 days following a PEB report, neither party may engage in self help.

Although not legally binding on the parties, PEB recommendations have historically given impetus to negotiations to resolve the disputes. The Act, which is administered through the National Mediation Board, governs labor-management relations in the railroad and airline industries and provides for the creation of Presidential Emergency Boards in circumstances where there is a threat to nationally essential transportation operations.

PEB 228 reviewed disputes between railroad management and the Transportation Communications International Union. Rolf Valtin chaired the Board, while Herbert Marx and Gilbert Vernon served as members.

PEB 229 reviewed disputes involving employees represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees. David Twomey chaired the Board, and William Hobgood and Carl Van Horn served as members.

PEB 230 reviewed disputes involving employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and Sheetmetal Workers International Association. Richard Mittenthal chaired the Board, with Robert O'Brien and M. David Vaughn serving as members.

Copies of the Board reports may be obtained from the National Mediation Board.

-30-30-30-