Hotline #4-A - October 20, 1997

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes has agreed to extend its strike deadline by another week. The BMWE has the right to strike beginning 12:01 am, October 22. Now, that mark has shifted to 12:01 am, October 29.

Even then, it is unclear whether, when, or where a strike might occur. It's possible that the only impact would be in the Northeast. There were public statements last week saying that Metra would not be affected -- that also suggests that Amtrak trains serving Chicago also would not be affected, except maybe for trains to and from the East Coast.

If there is a strike, trains that are underway likely would go through to their destination. Passengers trying to connect to a cancelled train would be bused or flown to their destination, or -- if those on long circle trips prefer -- to their point of origin. It is unclear how much more -- if anything -- customers would have to pay to fly rather than take the bus; Amtrak is still negotiating with United Airlines on rates. Some passengers will be eligible for a full or partial refund.

Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater appeared October 15 at a news conference in Washington Union Station. He claimed to have a commitment that the BMWE would not interfere with commuter trains, but most observers do not believe that can work. BMWE apparently believes some of its workers would continue to get paid, while off-duty BMWE members would do the picketing and keep members of other unions from working and getting paid. That plan also assumes Amtrak would stab itself in the back by paying BMWE workers whose union was acting to dramatically reduce the usefulness of the work being done.

Slater also said the Administration sees the $2.2 billion in capital that Amtrak got in the budget agreement as useful in paying for wage increases. NARP has written to Slater opposing this, and urged that pay increases beyond cost-of-living allowances be tied to productivity improvements. NARP said Amtrak competes with airlines and bus companies, not freight railroads, and that Amtrak workers get paid more than those at some airlines.

Nonetheless, this crisis seems to have focused the Administration's interest on getting the Amtrak reauthorization passed and, presumably, making the required compromises with Capitol Hill. Indeed, the House bill, H.R.2247, may come to the floor for a vote on October 22. Please call your Representative and ask him or her to vote for it. Passage of the bill, which passed two years ago 406-4, is essential to Amtrak's getting its capital funds.