Published 04 Sep, 2011
NMB Arbitration proffer rejected by TWU – 10 other rail unions
Yesterday afternoon the National Mediation Board proffered arbitration to TWU and 10 other Rail Labor unions in national negotiations with the freight railroads. [Click here for NMB PROFFER]
International President James C. Little immediately responded to the NMB declining the proffer of arbitration. [Click here for President Little’s Response]
The rejection of NMB’s proffer by TWU and the 10 other Rail Unions in national negotiations will trigger a release from mediation by the NMB which we expect early next week. The Board’s release will then trigger a 30 day cooling off period. It is expected that within the cooling-off period President Obama will appoint a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) that will convene hearings to hear the dispute and issue non-binding recommendations.
Our Coalition, including TWU, TCU, IAM, IBEW and ATDA, in anticipation of an NMB release has already begun coordinating with the other Rail Labor Coalition in national negotiations.
International President James C. Little welcomed the Board’s proffer stating “The release moves the process forward and advances our efforts to achieve a fair settlement for our Railroad Division members employed on the freights.” Likewise Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka welcomed the Board’s proffer stating “It signals progress in getting beyond the impasse we have been at for months, in large part due to the carriers unjustified demands for major concessions in our health plan”.