Establishing an Emergency Board for NJ Transit Rail Labor Disputes

Nov 17, 2015
Nov 17, 2015

Summary

Creates a special group to look into disagreements between New Jersey Transit Rail and its workers to help them find a solution.

What problem does this solve?

New Jersey Transit Rail and its workers could not agree on a solution to their disagreements, even after a first group tried to help. This order creates a second group to study the problem and pick the best final offer to settle the dispute and avoid a work stoppage.

What does this order do?

Establishes a second emergency board
Creates a new three-member board, appointed by the President, to investigate the ongoing disputes between NJ Transit Rail and its employees.
Requires final settlement offers
Orders both the rail company and the workers to give the board their final offers for a settlement within 30 days after the board is created.
Mandates a board report
Requires the board to choose the most reasonable offer and report its choice to the President within 30 days after receiving the final offers.
Freezes current conditions
Forbids both sides from changing any work conditions until 60 days after the board gives its report to the President, unless they both agree to a change.

Who does this affect?

  • New Jersey Transit Rail employees
  • New Jersey Transit Rail
  • Public transportation commuters in New Jersey

What is the real world impact?

Prevents a public transit shutdown
Creates a second emergency board as a required step to resolve labor disputes between NJ Transit and its unions. This action aims to prevent a strike that would disrupt travel for thousands of commuters.

When does this start?

This order creates a board effective November 13, 2015, and sets several deadlines for its work.
Board Establishment
The Emergency Board is established and begins its work at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 13, 2015.
Final Offers Submission
Within 30 days of the board's creation, both parties must submit their final settlement offers to the board.
Board Report to President
Within 30 days after receiving the final offers, the board must submit its report and selection to the President.
Freeze on Condition Changes
No changes to work conditions can be made until 60 days after the board submits its report to the President.