We are pleased that all parties to the Rock Island labor dispute have reached agreement. This is another positive step in the process initiated on September 20 to meet the threat of curtailed grain shipments in the Midwest.
We wish to thank both management and labor for their cooperative attitude. Special thanks should also be given to Chairman James Reynolds and Ida Klaus and Nicholas Zumas of the Emergency Board.
Note: The press release also included the following information.
On September 20 the President created an Emergency Board to examine the labor dispute between the Rock Island Railroad and its unions, the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks and the United Transportation Union. Today, the Emergency Board reported that agreement among the parties has been reached.
The agreement will have no immediate effect on the Rock Island system, since that system is now being operated by another cartier—the Kansas City Terminal Company-under the directed service order issued on September 26 by the Interstate Commerce Commission. The Commission issued its order after finding that the Rock Island lacked the financial resources required for satisfactory rail performance. The accord announced today will be important, however, should the Rock Island be able to resume operations following the period of directed service.
Jimmy Carter, Rock Island Railroad Labor Dispute White House Statement on an Agreement. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/248153