These Presidential historical materials are in the custody of the National Archives and Records Administration under the provisions of Title I of the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 (44 U.S.C. 2111 note), and implementing regulations. In accordance with the act and regulations, archivists reviewed the file group to identify private or personal as well as non-historical items. Such items, if found, have been withdrawn for return to the individual with primary proprietary or commemorative interest in them.
Materials covered by this act have been archivally processed and are described in this finding aid. Items that are security classified or otherwise restricted under the act and regulations have been removed and placed in a closed file. A Document Withdrawal Record (NA Form 14021) has been placed in the front of each folder describing each withdrawn item. Employees of the National Archives will review periodically the unclassified portions of closed materials for the purpose of opening those which no longer require restrictions. Classified documents may be reviewed for declassification under authority of Executive Order 13526 in response to Mandatory Review Request (NA Form 14020) submitted by the researcher.
- Linear measurement of materials: < 1 in.
- Number of pages: 2
Subject categories FG 310 and FG 311 contain material relating to the Special Railway Dispute Commission and the Emergency Railway Dispute Panel. In 1969, disputes arose between a number of railway companies and unions representing their workers over wages and benefits. Under the provisions of the Railway Labor Act (44 Stat. 577), the National Mediation Board stepped in to settle these disputes. After its efforts proved unsuccessful, President Nixon, exercising his presidential powers as outlined by the Act, appointed Emergency Board No. 178 to provide a resolution to the dispute (Executive Order 11558, September 18, 1970). The Emergency Board's efforts were, however, unsuccessful. In response, Congress passed a joint resolution (84 Stat. 1407) in order to provide a temporary resolution to the dispute. This joint resolution directed the President to report to Congress on the progress of negotiations as well as to make appropriate recommendations for a proposed solution to the dispute. In his report to Congress, dated February 13, 1971, President Nixon recommended two approaches to settling the issue. The first called for a Special Railway Dispute Commission "to decide on final definition and application of the recommendations of the Emergency Board." The second alternative called for the creation of an Emergency Railway Dispute Panel, which would administer a limited strike by the railway unions and insure alternative transportation services. Congress never enacted these proposals.
The records consist of two copies of a memorandum. Primary correspondents include John L. Campbell and Laurence H. Silberman. The memorandum covers the submission of the President's report. Corresponding oversized attachments have been processed and integrated into the files.
The terms Executive and General are used before the code FG 310 and FG 311 generally to determine the source of the materials. Items designated Executive are communications among national, foreign, state and local governments and their agencies, Members of Congress, and other prominent people. Items designated General are communications between Government officials and private citizens, institutions, and other private interests.
Note: Additional information may be found in the White House Central Files, Subject Files, LA 6-37 (Labor), including a copy of the President's report and recommendations to Congress.
Nopt yet available online