Establishing an Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between NJ Transit
Jul 20, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jul 15, 2015
Published on: Jul 20, 2015
Jul 20, 2015
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: Jul 15, 2015
Published on: Jul 20, 2015
Summary
Creates a special group to look into disagreements between New Jersey Transit Rail and its workers and then report back to the President.
What problem does this solve?
New Jersey Transit Rail and its employee unions have disagreements that they could not solve through normal processes. This order creates a special board to investigate the disagreements and help find a solution.
What does this order do?
Establishes an Emergency Board
Creates a three-member board, appointed by the President, to investigate the disputes between NJ Transit and its employees. Members cannot have a financial or other interest in the outcome.
Freezes current conditions for 120 days
Forbids NJ Transit or the unions from changing any conditions related to the dispute for 120 days, preventing strikes or lockouts, unless both sides agree.
Requires a report to the President
The board must investigate the disputes and give a report with its findings to the President within 30 days of its creation.
Manages board records
Specifies that the board's records belong to the Office of the President and will be kept by the National Mediation Board after the board finishes its work.
Who does this affect?
- New Jersey Transit Rail employees
- New Jersey Transit Rail
- Public transportation commuters
What is the real world impact?
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Prevents a public transportation shutdown
Creates a special board to investigate the dispute, which, under the Railway Labor Act, prevents the unions from striking for 120 days. This keeps the trains running while the parties try to reach an agreement.
When does this start?
The order establishes the Emergency Board on July 16, 2015, and sets several deadlines for its work.
120-Day Cooling-Off Period
For 120 days starting from July 16, 2015, neither party can change the conditions of the dispute, preventing a strike or lockout.
Board Report Deadline
The board must submit its report to the President within 30 days of its creation on July 16, 2015.
Board Termination
The board will end its work as soon as it submits its report to the President.