NMB sets March for decision on Union Pacific vote

CLEVELAND (December 30, 1999) – The National Mediation Board (NMB) today determined to refer the resolution of the United Transportation Union’s (UTU) petition that would lead to a representation election on the Union Pacific Railroad to a three-member panel of prominent labor relations professionals.

The Panel is to prepare a decision and order by March 1 if either the UTU and BLE declines to engage in voluntary discussions to resolve this dispute. Otherwise, the NMB said the Panel "shall prepare a decision and order" by no later than March 29, 2000.

"UTU looks forward to resolving this issue once and for all," said International President Charles L. Little. "We should all know the outcome no later than 90 days from now."

The NMB suggested, but did not require, that the UTU and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) resume voluntary discussions to resolve this dispute through mutual agreement. In order to allow these discussions to occur, the NMB said it "will defer action on this matter" until March.

"BLE and UTU, separately, should advise the Board, in writing, by no later than 3:00 p.m. on January 10, 2000, whether the respective organizations will engage in voluntary discussions," wrote Stephen E. Crable, NMB chief of staff.

Crable wrote, "If either the BLE or UTU declines to engage in voluntary discussions to resolve this dispute, the Board will advise the Panel and request the Panel to conduct a hearing, in its discretion, and prepare a decision and order at its earliest convenience, but no later than March 1, 2000. Otherwise, the Panel shall prepare a decision and order by no later than March 29, 2000, 90 days after the date of this Notice."

The Panel may, at its discretion, hold a hearing on the issue.

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NMB's Decision

27 NMB No. 30
FILE NO. CR-6624

NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
BY PANEL