Statement by the Press Secretary

Business Wire, Jan 3, 2008

WASHINGTON -- On December 30, 2007, the President received the report and recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Board appointed to investigate a dispute between the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; the Joint Council of Carmen, comprised of the Transportation Communications International Union/Brotherhood Railway Carmen Division and the Transport Workers Union of America; the American Train Dispatchers Association; the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers/Service Employees International Union; and the Transportation Communications International Union - American Railway and Airway Supervisors Association. The President appreciates the Board's diligent work in this matter.

The President urges the parties to continue to work in good faith to resolve their dispute, taking into account the Emergency Board's recommendations.