Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has urged President Biden to take action following the failure of Gate Gourmet and the Employee Representative Council to reach a new collective bargaining agreement. The council includes UNITE HERE and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The failed mediation means that unless an agreement is reached or the President intervenes by creating a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB), a strike could occur as early as July 30. Such a strike would disrupt in-flight and pre-flight services for passengers and crew.

“Disruptions in air travel will cause unnecessary uncertainty for families and airline workers alike,” Dr. Cassidy wrote. “To prevent severe economic consequences and a global disruption in air travel, it is imperative you use all of your available authority, including forming a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB), to resolve this matter and avert a strike. We need leadership.”

Under the Railway Labor Act, the president can create a PEB to prevent interruptions in interstate commerce that could deprive parts of the country of essential transportation services.

Cassidy emphasized that U.S. airlines are expected to transport up to 271 million passengers this summer, with airlines already adding 1,400 new flights per day to meet demand. He warned that a strike would not only affect summer travel but also impact the shipment of essential goods and health supplies.

“If you choose not to take action, your administration risks serious economic consequences and travel disruptions for the American public,” Cassidy stated.

Cassidy concluded by urging President Biden to create an impartial PEB under the Railway Labor Act to avoid potential disruptions in airline services this summer.