U.S. Emergency Board No. 134 Records

For many years Local 996, International Longshoremen's Association joined with the Nonoperating Railway Labor Organizations in negotiations and their agreement followed the national pattern. In 1957 the Local chose to negotiate directly with the carriers and signed an agreement on July 22.



On October 31, 1959 the Local notified the Carriers it would like to change the agreement, increasing the basic daily rate from $18.69 to $25. In addition, the Local would like a cost of living escalator clause, 20 cents per day added to the travel allowance, changes in the vacation agreement and an increased number of paid holidays, sick leave pay and severance pay.



The Carriers' countered with proposals to change the assignment rules, overtime provisions, and a reduction in paid holidays and no changes in the current wage rates.



Several negotiating meetings were held, but no progress in reaching an agreement was made, and on September 29, 1960 the Local broke off negotiations and set October 21, 1960 as the date to strike.



On January 12, 1961 the President created the Emergency Board of James T. O'Connell, Harold M. Gilden and David R. Douglass. The Board held hearings until February l6, 1961 and submitted its report on March 6, 1961.