Disputes between the Long Island Rail Road Company and several labor organizations have led to federal intervention. The labor groups involved include the Transportation Communications Union, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
These disputes have not been resolved under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), which governs labor relations in the railroad industry. Under section 9A of the RLA, when parties are unable to resolve their differences, they can request that the President establish an emergency board to investigate and report on the issues.
President Donald J. Trump issued an order establishing such a board effective at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 18, 2025. The board will consist of a chair and two other members appointed by the President. None of these members may have any financial or other interest in any railroad employee organization or carrier. The board is tasked with investigating and reporting on these disputes within 30 days.
The order states: "There is established, effective 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on September 18, 2025, a Board composed of a chair and two other members, all of whom shall be appointed by the President to investigate and report on these disputes. No member shall be pecuniarily or otherwise interested in any organization of railroad employees or any carrier. The Board shall perform its functions subject to the availability of funds."
During this period, for up to 120 days from its creation, neither party may change existing conditions related to the dispute unless both sides agree otherwise. The records generated by this emergency board will become part of the Office of the President’s records and will be maintained by the National Mediation Board after termination.
The order also specifies that publication costs will be covered by the Department of Transportation.
"Sec. 2. Report. The Board shall report to the President with respect to the disputes within 30 days of its creation."
"Sec. 3. Maintaining Conditions. As provided by section 9A(c) of the RLA, for 120 days from the date of the creation of the Board, no change in the conditions out of which the disputes arose shall be made by the parties to the controversy, except by agreement of the parties."
"Sec. 4. Records Maintenance. The records and files of the Board are records of the Office of the President and upon the Board’s termination shall be maintained in physical custody of National Mediation Board."
"Sec. 5 Expiration: The Board shall terminate upon submission of report provided for in section 2."
"Sec. 6 Costs for Publication: The costs for publication...shall be borne by Department Of Transportation."
This action follows established procedures under federal law for addressing unresolved labor disputes in rail transportation.
