Establishing an Emergency Board to Investigate Railroad Disputes
Oct 12, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Oct 6, 2011
Published on: Oct 12, 2011
Oct 12, 2011
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Oct 6, 2011
Published on: Oct 12, 2011
Summary
Creates a special group to look into disagreements between railroad companies and their workers to help them find a solution.
What problem does this solve?
Railroad companies and their workers have disagreements that could stop important train services across the country. This order creates a special board to study the disagreements and give a report to the President to help solve the problem.
What does this order do?
Establishes an emergency board
Creates a special five-person board to look into the disagreements between the railroads and their workers. No member of the board can have a money interest in any railroad company or worker group.
Requires a 'cooling-off' period
Prevents railroads and workers from making any changes to the situation, such as a strike or lockout, while the board investigates and for 30 days after it gives its report.
Sets a reporting deadline
Requires the board to investigate the disputes and give a report with its findings to the President within 30 days of being created.
Ends the board's work
States that the board will stop operating once it has turned in its report to the President.
Who does this affect?
- Railroad employees and their unions
- Railroad companies
What is the real world impact?
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Prevents a national railroad strike
Stops any strike or changes by either side for 60 days. This provides time to find a solution and avoid shutting down essential train services that are important for the country's economy.
When does this start?
The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on October 7, 2011, and sets a few deadlines for the new board.
Board Establishment
The Emergency Board is officially created at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 7, 2011.
Report to the President
The Board must give its report on the disputes to the President within 30 days of its creation.
Freeze on Actions
From the creation of the board until 30 days after its report is submitted, neither side can make changes, like starting a strike.