UTU Strategy to end "cram down" a success

UTU strategy to end "cram down" a success

AAR agrees to framework to end cram down and
rail labor agrees to clean STB reauthorization bill

WASHINGTON – United Transportation Union’s (UTU) strategy of using a Senate "anti-cram down" bill introduced by Senator Michael Crapo (R-Id.) as leverage to stop that much-maligned practice has paid off for all of rail labor.

Yesterday, the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and rail labor agreed to a framework for negotiating a new cram down mechanism. Essentially, the deal includes a moratorium until the end of the 2002 under which no Section 4 notices can be filed, and it includes rail labor’s support for clean Surface Transportation Board (STB) reauthorization legislation.

The deal was concluded yesterday between AAR President Ed Hamberger and AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Richard Trumka.

It is now expected that Linda Morgan will be reconfirmed as STB chair today.

"The UTU strategy laid out under the leadership of President Charles Little and Assistant President Byron Boyd of using Senator Crapo’s proposed legislation (S. 1590) as leverage to reach an agreement to stop the elimination of labor contracts has been successful," said James Brunkenhoefer, UTU National Legislative Director. "This approach was in sharp contrast to the attempt by others in rail labor to attempt to stop the reappointment of Linda Morgan to the STB and to hold her nomination ‘hostage.’ UTU, once again, was right to support Morgan and to get Crapo to introduce his bill. At the end of the day that was the winning formula."

Negotiations over a new cram down mechanism will begin as soon as meetings can be scheduled between the railroads and the unions.

"UTU wishes to thank all who have worked so hard to end cram down," said International President Charles L. Little. "We especially want to thank Senator Crapo and his ability to lead a bi-partisan coalition to end this anti-labor practice. In addition to Crapo, other Republicans who stepped forward for rail labor included Senators Specter, Campbell and Jeffords. Our members also owe thanks to the many fine state legislative directors who campaigned tirelessly on Capitol Hill in support of S. 1590. In addition, thanks goes to Richard Trumka for sealing the deal."

On Morgan’s reappointment to the STB, Little said: "Linda Morgan is a great STB chairman, and she deserved reappointment. Everyone in rail labor benefits by her continuing on the Board. UTU is proud that we stood behind her from beginning to end."

Little also credited Brunkenhoefer and Idaho State Director Dale Wheeler, who worked with Crapo to introduce S. 1590, for their strong work.

UTU is the largest rail-transportation union in North America.