Establishing A Second Emergency Board To Investigate Disputes Between The Long Island Rail Road Company And Certain Of Its Employees Represented By Certain Labor Organizations
Summary
This document details the establishment of a second Emergency Board by President Trump on January 14, 2026, to investigate ongoing disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and certain of its employees represented by various labor organizations. This action follows a previous emergency board whose recommendations were not fully accepted by all parties. The establishment of this board is pursuant to section 9A of the Railway Labor Act (RLA).
Expected Effects
The immediate effect will be the appointment of a new board to mediate the labor disputes. This board will have 30 days to solicit final settlement offers and another 30 days to issue a report selecting the most reasonable offer. During this period and for 60 days after the report, both parties are prohibited from changing the conditions that led to the dispute, maintaining the status quo.
Potential Benefits
- Prevents immediate disruptions to rail service by maintaining the status quo during negotiations.
- Provides a structured process for resolving labor disputes under the Railway Labor Act.
- Offers a potential path to settlement through a neutral third-party assessment.
- Ensures continued operation of essential transportation services for commuters and businesses.
- Reinforces the importance of collective bargaining and peaceful resolution of labor disputes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- The board's recommendations are not binding, meaning the disputes could continue after the board's report.
- The process may delay necessary changes or improvements in working conditions or compensation.
- There is a cost associated with establishing and operating the emergency board, borne by the Department of Transportation.
- The 60-day period after the report could be insufficient to reach a final agreement, leading to further uncertainty.
- Reliance on emergency boards may discourage proactive negotiation and compromise between the parties.
Constitutional Alignment
The action aligns with the President's executive authority and the Railway Labor Act, which has been established by Congress. While the Constitution does not explicitly address labor disputes of this nature, the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, which includes the railway system. The establishment of the board does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or liberties.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).