LIRR Emergency Board (E.O. 13654)

Summary

Forms a special group to look into disagreements between the Long Island Rail Road and its workers to help them find a solution.

What problem does this solve?

The Long Island Rail Road and its workers could not agree on work-related issues, which could lead to a strike that would affect many travelers. This order creates a special board to study the problem and suggest a solution, preventing any work stoppages for a time.

What does this order do?

Creates an Emergency Board

Establishes a three-member board, appointed by the President, to investigate the labor disputes between the LIRR and its employees.

Pauses all actions for 120 days

Prohibits the railroad and the unions from changing any work conditions or starting a strike or lockout for 120 days while the process continues.

Requires a report to the President

Mandates the board to investigate the disputes and report its findings and recommendations to the President within 30 days of its creation.

Manages board records

Specifies that the board's files are records of the President's Office and will be kept by the National Mediation Board after the board ends.

Who does this affect?

Long Island Rail Road Company
Railroad employees and their unions
New York area commuters

What is the real world impact?

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Prevents a commuter rail strike

Creates a mandatory 'cooling-off' period where neither the railroad nor the unions can take action, like a strike or lockout. This prevents major travel disruptions for the public while the board investigates the dispute.

When does this start?

This order creates an Emergency Board that became effective on November 22, 2013, and sets several deadlines for its work.

Board Report Deadline

The board must give its report to the President within 30 days of its creation (by December 22, 2013).

120-Day 'Cooling-Off' Period

For 120 days starting November 22, 2013, neither the company nor the workers can change work conditions or start a strike.