UTU to file petition for NMB to reconsider decision on Union Pacific dispute

UTU to file petition for NMB to reconsider
decision on Union Pacific representation dispute

Little says Panel’s decision is ‘terribly flawed’

CLEVELAND (February 29) – The United Transportation Union (UTU) will shortly file a petition with the National Mediation Board (NMB) asking it to reconsider a decision dismissing the union’s application for a representation election on the Union Pacific Railroad.

Today a three-person panel of labor relations professionals appointed by the NMB issued an opinion dismissing the UTU petition.

"No one should take comfort with this ruling," said UTU International President Charles L. Little. "On the contrary, this struggle has just begun, and our crusade to unify operating employees will now accelerate."

In its ruling, the panel said, "We must conclude that the conditions here present do not justify an order by the Board for a single craft or class. Certainly the parties are still free to negotiate the consolidation here in issue. We find only that the conditions here present do not support an order for the Board to impose a single craft or class. In light of the foregoing there is no reason for us to determine if the UTU properly invoked the Board’s Railroad Merger Procedures."

Said Little, "We are asking the Board to reconsider our petition on a number of grounds. While we respect the panel of labor professionals’ opinion, we believe its recommendation is wrong and its findings are terribly flawed. This decision sadly looks to maintain an archaic and splintered union representation system that benefits the carriers and does not benefit union workers in the 21st century. This decision is detrimental to the future of all operating employees."

Little added: "The panel made a safe recommendation under pressure that maintains the status quo and does not speak to the needs of the future of labor in the rail industry. Its conclusion merely postpones the inevitable, which is one collective bargaining agent for all operating employees. Therefore, we are asking the three members of the National Mediation Board to reconsider."