November 7, 2006

NMB – DISPUTE HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED!

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

On November 1, 2006, the National Mediation Board proffered arbitration to every union in the Metro North Labor Coalition and to Metro North. Each Coalition Union responded to the NMB…..REJECTING ARBITRATION!

Enclosed is a copy of the Metro North Labor Coalition Action Update for your review.

On November 7, 2006, your System Council office received a letter from the National Mediation Board that served notice to our union that:

“In these circumstances, notice is hereby served on behalf of the Board that its services have been terminated this day under the provision of the Railway Labor Act. Accordingly, unless the parties subsequently settle this dispute, or an emergency board is established, nonviolent self-help would be available commencing 12:01 am EST, on Thursday, December 7, 2006”.

Enclosed is a breakdown of the process that we will have to follow as to the Railway Labor Act.

We have negotiated for four years without a peaceful agreement that our members and their families would enjoy. The MTA refuses to agree to acceptable terms. The time has come where we must join together as one union in unity. We must join together with our sisters and brothers with the Metro North Coalition, because TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER! Not only do we have to talk the talk but also now we have to back up the talk and walk the walk as one!

NCFO Local #520 and System Council #2 have been walking the walk. The Officers of Local #520 have been in the streets of Brewster, Croton, and Yonkers at 5:30 in the morning talking to the commuters about voting our friends into office so that they can help us in reach a fair agreement. I cannot express how proud I am to be a part of Local #520. Our members have been so active in this process. Members who have stood up during this most difficult economical period particularly exacerbated by home and automobile fuel increases.

On a personal note, I would like to thank our members who have stood behind our efforts. If it was a pat on the back, a phone call or a sister or brother speaking their mind, it has only given me more strength to continue this fight and see that our members receive the best contract that would make our members and their families life better.

The Metro North Labor Coalition has remained strong and united. We must be proud as members of a union to be part of such a special Coalition.

We will keep you up to date as we move into the next step.

As always, please feel free to call your System Council #2 office at anytime.

With best wishes to you and your families, I remain

In unity,

Dean Devita,

General Chairman

DD;mr

Cc:   G. J. Francisco, Jr., President – NCFO/SEIU

  J. Thacker, Secretary-Treasurer – NCFO/SEIU

  J. Farrigan, Vice General Chairman – System Council #2

  System Council #2 Executive Board – G. Marrone, J. Reidy, S. Pulcrano