Ranking Member Cassidy Calls on Biden to Take Action in Gate Gourmet Failed Mediation, Avert Strike During Summer Travel Season

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, called on President Biden to take action following the failure of Gate Gourmet and the Employee Representative Council comprised of UNITE HERE and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters to reach a new collective bargaining agreement. As a result of this failed mediation, the parties have until July 30 before a strike can occur, unless an agreement is reached or the President creates a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to intervene. A strike would disrupt in-flight and pre-flight services such as food and water for passengers and crew.

"Disruptions in air travel will cause unnecessary uncertainty for families and airline workers alike," wrote Dr. Cassidy. "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 is authorized to create a Presidential Emergency Board to avert an interruption of interstate commerce that could deprive many parts of the country of essential transportation services.

Read the full letter here or below.

Dear President Biden:

It has come to my attention the National Mediation Board (NMB) released Gate Gourmet, UNITE HERE, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from negotiations, queuing up a potential labor strike during one of the busiest travel seasons for the airline industry.^[1] Disruptions in air travel will cause unnecessary uncertainty for families and airline workers alike. 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.

U.S. airlines are expected to set air-travel records this summer, with up to 271 million passengers transported by air.^[2] To meet the predicted demand, airlines are already offering 1,400 new flights per day. A strike would have devastating consequences, not only on summer travel but the shipment of essential goods and health supplies that Americans need. If you choose not to take action, your administration risks serious economic consequences and travel disruptions for the American public.

Fortunately, it is fully within your power to avoid this disruption by creating an impartial and qualified PEB under the Railway Labor Act. A strike would result in airlines reducing services or ceasing operations while waiting for a resolution. It is imperative you act to prevent unnecessary prices hikes and delays on Americans depending on reliable airline travel this summer.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

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