CLEVELAND, February 10 — Representative Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio) is urging the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) to complete negotiations at the bargaining table and to not depend on Congress for a legislated settlement.
Rep. LaTourette expressed his position in a February 6 letter all of Rail Labor chiefs and all railroad CEOs, with copies to the National Mediation Board.
His support is significant as Rep. LaTourette serves as Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Railroads.
Rep. LaTourette’s letter comes on the heels of a similar letter from Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) dated January 23, who is Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
“Congressional intervention is neither assured nor guaranteed for either party if resolution is left to the Congress,” Rep. LaTourette wrote. “Again, I encourage both parties to redouble their efforts to reach an agreement.”
At the urging of all of Rail Labor, Rep. LaTourette issued the letter to pressure the parties into reaching a negotiated settlement instead of one imposed by Congress through a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB). It is widely speculated that the carriers are hoping for a PEB to take advantage of what the perceive as a favorable political climate in Washington, D.C.
After less than a year of bargaining, the carriers requested release from mediation in late 2005. The NMB denied their request and directed the carriers to return to the bargaining table.
A copy of Rep. LaTourette’s letter is available at:
https://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/latourette0206.pdf