Rail Talks Hit Dead End, IAM Renews Request for Proffer

IAM rail negotiators met on February 24, 2004 with representatives from the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), representing the nations freight rail carriers. A member of the three-person National Mediation Board (NMB) and an NMB mediator were also present. No progress was made, and on February 27 the IAM requested a proffer of arbitration for the fifth time in the four-year long negotiations.

"Further negotiations would be pointless," said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. "We are being held hostage by a Republican-controlled Mediation Board. The NMB has failed in its mandate to bring these negotiations to its ultimate conclusion, a collectively bargained agreement. Clearly, a change is needed."

More than 1,500 IAM members have contacted their Senators and Congressional Representative as part of the IAM's campaign to urge Congress to force the NMB to advance the negotiations process.local lodge 478 urges its members to take a few minutes to contact your senators congressmen thru a letter provided on the links page.