President Barack Obama created Presidential Emergency Board 245 in an effort to resolve an impasse over contract negotiations between the Long Island Rail Road Co. (LIRR) and a coalition of unions. The coalition consists of TCU, SMART (UTU and SMWIA) and the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers/SEIU. The second PEB put in place averts a strike or lockout.
Obama signed an executive order establishing the three-member panel that will investigate the dispute, hear evidence and report to the president within 30 days. The seven coalition unions and LIRR have failed to reach agreement on new contracts after more than three years of talks.
President Obama also announced that he intends to appoint the following members to Presidential Emergency Board No. 245:
- Joshua M. Javits – Appointee for Chair, Presidential Emergency Board No. 245
- Elizabeth C. Wesman – Appointee for Member, Presidential Emergency Board No. 245
- M. David Vaughn – Appointee for Member, Presidential Emergency Board No. 245
Click here to view the full Executive order release from the White House.
Click here to view the PEB member release from the White House.