[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[June 17, 1994]
[Pages 1095-1096]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Long Island Rail Road Strike
June 17, 1994

    For commuters who depend on the Long Island Rail Road to commute to 
work, it is regrettable that the talks between the Rail Road and the 
United Transportation Union have not been successful in averting a 
strike. In an effort to bring the parties together I appointed two 
Presidential Emergency Boards and, late Wednesday night, Secretaries 
Reich and Pena helped persuade both sides to stay at the bargaining 
table for another 24 hours.
    It is important now that the parties get back to the table, with the 
continued assistance of the National Mediation Board, and engage in 
serious round-the-clock negotiations to end the strike. I have 
instructed the Secretaries of Labor and Transportation to closely 
monitor the situation and report back to me.
    In addition, I have directed the Department of Transportation to 
assist local authorities in providing appropriate assistance to the 
traveling public.
    I understand that members of the New York congressional delegation 
are drafting legislation to deal with this situation which I have asked 
the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Transportation to review. I 
will continue to confer with Governor Cuomo, the congressional 
leadership, and the New York congressional del-


[[Page 1096]]

egation over the weekend to ensure that we are doing everything possible 
to help end this dispute. While important issues are at stake, the 
economic health of the region and the interests of the rail passengers 
must be protected.