July 5, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

Contact: NMB Public Information Line--(202) 692-5050

Re: EMERGENCY BOARD CREATED TO INVESTIGATE DISPUTE BETWEEN SEPTA AND BLET

Washington, D.C. -- Effective July 8, 2006, President George W. Bush established Emergency Board 239 to investigate a collective bargaining dispute between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and its Locomotive Engineers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET). The President appointed Kirk Van Tine of Virginia as Chair, and Roger P. Nober of Maryland and Robert E. Peterson of New York as Members.

Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act, the Emergency Board will conduct a hearing and make a recommendation for settlement within 30 days of the President’s creation of the Board. No work stoppages are permissible for the 120 days following the date of the creation of the Emergency Board.

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