U.S. Train Commuters Brace For Nationwide Amtrak Strike

January 15, 2008 8:41 p.m. EST

New York, NY (AHN) - Train commuters across the U.S. are bracing of a possible Amtrak strike starting Jan. 31 as officials and union leaders meet Wednesday to discuss an agreement following a presidential panel's recommendation in favor of workers.

Amrak is a is government affiliated corporation operated by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. It operates passenger service on 21,000 miles (33,800 kilometers) of track primarily owned by other railroads connecting 500 destinations in 46 states. Over 25 million passengers rode Amtrak trains last year.

"A strike would affect Amtrak trains across the country," said Joel Parker, vice president of the Transportation Communication Union.

The dispute involves nine unions representing mostly signalmen, maintenance workers, firemen and oilers who have been without a contract since 2000.

The Presidential Emergency Board last Thursday recommended that Amtrak employees receive back wages and pay increases and there be no substantive work rule changes.

"The recommendations provide the basis for a settlement. All the unions will be prepared to make settlements based on the recommendations, and the ball will be in Amtrak's court," Parker said. "The unions do not want to strike."

An Amtrak official said the railway plans to carefully review the recommendations of the board, but is worried about covering the increased costs, Newsday reported.