August 11, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL MEDIATION BOARD

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

RE: EMERGENCY BOARD CREATED TO INVESTIGATE DISPUTE BETWEEN SEPTA AND UTU

Effective August 10, 2004, President George W. Bush established Emergency Board 238 to investigate a collective bargaining dispute between the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and its conductors and assistant conductors represented by the United Transportation Union (UTU). The President appointed Robert O. Harris of Chevy Chase, MD as Chairman, and Donna R. McLean of Washington, DC and Peter W. Tredick, of Santa Barbara, CA as Members.

Pursuant to the Railway Labor Act (RLA), within 30 days of the President’s creation of the Board, the parties will submit their final offers for settlement of the dispute to the Emergency Board. Also pursuant to the RLA, within 30 days after the parties’ submission of final offers, the Emergency Board shall submit a report to the President setting forth the most reasonable offer. No work stoppages are permissible for the 60 days following the date the Emergency Board submits its report to the President.

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