At press time, the Brotherhood said it would reach a decision on whether to accept arbitration within 30 days from the proffer date.

If either Amtrak or the BMWE rejects the offer a second 30-day countdown begins after which either party can resort to self-help.

Traditionally, the White House has stepped in during that time and appointed a Presidential Emergency Board to review both sides’ arguments and recommend a settlement.

The BMWE has demonstrated its willingness to accept the terms of the national agreement with the freight railroads as the framework to settle the Amtrak dispute, tailored to the Amtrak property. Amtrak, however, has stood fast on its outrageous proposals which would reduce real wages, benefits and working conditions.

"Our members on Amtrak perform the same work as those on freight railroads and commuter lines but on track where trains speed by in excess of 125 miles an hour," said BMWE President Mac A. Fleming. "Amtrak workers earn $3.00 per hour less than their counterparts on the publicly funded commuter roads alongside whom they work. Despite this, Amtrak workers are willing to accept the national agreement. There is no reason why they should be paid any less. Amtrak management is simply trying to cheat workers out of their rightful due."

Fleming said he was pleased that the NMB finally recognized that mediation attempts had hit a brick wall.

"At least the process can begin to move forward with the board’s proffer of arbitration," he explained.

Fleming said the decision on whether to accept arbitration would be based on the best and fastest way to assure Amtrak workers get a fair and equitable contract.

In other bargaining news:

*While SP-CSL is still in the ratification process, the agreement with the rest of the Southern Pacific, which covers 98 percent of our members on that railroad, has been ratified and is in effect.

*Negotiations on the Delaware & Hudson are scheduled to pick up again in September.

*Talks with the Grand Trunk continue under the mediation process. After meeting in late June, negotiators took July off but are set to meet face-to-face once again in August and September.