Its really hard to strike under the Railway Labor Act.
Just because it’s HARD doesn’t mean they can’t strike.
Found this info:
https://railroads.dot.gov/sites/fra.dot.gov/files/fra_net/1647/Railway%20Labor%20Act%20Overview.pdf
The RLA also provides mandatory dispute resolution procedures (outlined below) that preclude strikes over union
representation and grievance disputes, and postpone the ability of the parties to take action in bargaining
disputes until they have completed an elaborate, time-consuming process involving negotiation,
mediation by the NMB, possible review by a Presidential Emergency Board (”PEB”), and cooling-off
periods.
I ASSUME that when JOEY said he had worked out a “Deal” his deal came from the PEB. Did this even happen?? Sounds like some unions REJECTED the PEB recommendation.
These following steps seem to come AFTER the strike starts not BEFORE.
V. DOT’S ROLE IN RLA LABOR DISPUTES
Rail Bargaining Disputes. DOT/Federal Railroad Administration (”FRA”) becomes involved in contract
disputes at key junctions:
- FRA monitors the progress of the contract negotiations.
- FRA projects the economic impact of a strike at the time the NMB ends mediation; these projections
help form the basis for the NMB’s determination of whether to recommend the appointment of a PEB.
- The Secretary advises the President regarding the convening of a PEB. The Secretary’s analysis is
especially critical when the dispute involves a regional carrier or a carrier that is financially marginal.
- If a PEB is appointed and its recommendations are rejected, FRA prepares an updated economic
impact statement.
- FRA prepares the Secretary’s testimony for any Congressional hearings, briefs the Secretary, and
assists at the hearings.
- FRA Chief Counsel’s Office drafts back-to-work legislation in consultation with the General Counsel, and
works with Congressional committee staffs on fashioning appropriate legislative relief.
KEY NEXT STEP -
- FRA monitors the national rail transportation situation DURING THE STRIKE.
Railroads are dangerous enough with “qualified/trained” personnel. Just wait until they fill the Striker’s positions with Illegals and Scabs. This will get very interesting. According to RLA, the strikers can’t be fired just for striking.