Mr. Frank Duggan

Chairman of the Board

National Mediation Board

1301 K Street, NW, Suite 250 East

Washington, DC 20572

Dear Mr. Chairman:

This has further reference to the correspondence and mediated sessions concerning NMB Case No. A-13159, NCCC & IAM.

As you are well aware, more than thirty-eight (38) months have passed without a settlement in sight. During much of this time we have utilized the services of the National Mediation Board.

The last time mediated sessions were scheduled to take place was February 26 and 27, 2003. However, due to inclement weather and conditions we had no control over, the scheduled meetings were cancelled. We attempted to immediately reschedule meetings with the Carriers and the NMB. The earliest date offered was April 17, 2003, which was later modified to April 16, 2003.

We then contacted the Mediator assigned to this case and asked him to exert every reasonable effort to move this process. Six weeks for the next meeting is out of the question. Without detailing the Mediator's efforts, he was unable to convince the Carriers to meet earlier.

We have stated both to the Carriers and the National Mediation Board that we are willing to meet anywhere, anytime in the country to resolve these protracted negotiations. It is beyond pale that the NMB cannot demand the Carriers meet. It is obvious that neither the NMB, nor the Carriers are interested in reaching an Agreement unless it's under their terms. And, it appears, that the NMB is supporting their position.

We are now going into the fourth year without the process moving. This is totally unacceptable, and the process under the Railway Labor Act should be moved to the next step.

Therefore, and based upon the record, it is our position that the Board has expended all reasonable efforts to reach an Agreement with no results and no expectations, in spite of its best efforts. Additionally, the Carrier's delay tactics do nothing more than frustrate the process that is required under the Railway Labor Act, and evidently supported by the Board.

Again, the IAM respectfully requests that the National Mediation Board immediately provide a proffer to the parties. Sincerely yours,

Robert Roach Jr. General Vice President