§908 Employee Protection Agreements

Summary

The Milwaukee Railroad and the unions for its workers must try to make a deal by 20 days after November 4, 1979 to protect employees hurt by service cuts or a company restructuring. That protection can include things like short-term help, moving costs, relocation incentives, and separation pay. If no deal is reached in 20 days, the parties must take the issue to the National Mediation Board, which will try to mediate a settlement by 40 days after November 4, 1979. If mediation fails, the railroad and unions must immediately enter a fair agreement. Employees must file claims with the Board under the Board’s rules. The Board will set each employee’s benefit amount and tell the railroad to pay. Payments are made by the railroad under section 914 and are treated as administrative expenses of the railroad’s estate.