There already is evidence of PEB subversion that is eroding mutual trust in the system. Two PEBs appointed by the Bush administration to investigate disputes on a commuter railroad included a majority of members with no experience in railroad labor-management bargaining or historic relationships between the parties, and with a strong suggestion of management sympathy.

All previous PEBs over the decades -- whether appointed by Democratic or Republican presidents -- were made up of RLA-experienced and neutral arbitrators drawn from an NMB-maintained list.

The carriers assured Wall Street that should their dispute in this round of national handling reach an impasse, a carrier-friendly PEB would be appointed by the White House.

continue reading-

http://www.utu.org/worksite/detail_n...rticleID=29298