U.S. Judge’s Order Averts Nationwide Amtrak Strike

A threatened nationwide Amtrak strike, triggered by a dispute over work rules at a Los Angeles Metrolink yard, was averted Tuesday when a U.S. District judge issued a temporary restraining order barring a walkout.

Leaders of the United Transportation Union, which represents conductors, said they will comply with Judge Stanley Harris’ court order, issued after a brief hearing in Washington.

UTU officials had vowed earlier to strike today after a dispute arose over who should be responsible for moving trains at the nine-month-old Taylor Yard, near Dodger Stadium.

Since the yard opened, Amtrak--which was contracted by Metrolink to operate the commuter trains--directed workers from the mechanical department to move the trains. The union maintains that the work should go to its members, who carry out such duties at most Amtrak yards across the nation.

“We have to draw the line,” said William Beebe, a UTU general chairman. “Why don’t they just be reasonable and live up to the contract, that’s all we are asking. . . . Historically, that has been our work.”

John Skinner, general manager of Metrolink for Amtrak, countered that the UTU contracts did not explicitly include moving the trains when they are not being used for passengers.

“There’s no definitive language in their contract,” he said.

Skinner and other Amtrak officials said they were pleased with the ruling. Amtrak carries 21.3 million passengers a year over 25,000 miles of track. In California, 5.7 million passengers use the federally subsidized train service.

Skinner said that the mechanical workers or “car-men” were selected to move the trains because “it just seemed to be more efficient.” Skinner pointed out that this practice is carried out at four other Amtrak locations.

Using car-men turns out to be slightly cheaper for Amtrak, officials acknowledged. Those workers earn $14.27 an hour, while conductors earn $16.67 and assistant conductors earn $14.20.

Shortly after Taylor Yard opened, UTU workers complained that the work being done by car-men should have gone to UTU members. Earlier this summer, top UTU officials toured the Los Angeles facility, setting in motion the current dispute.