USA TODAY: Commuter rail service in the Philadelphia area was restored early Sunday, just hours after workers returned to their jobs following a brief strike that was ended when President Obama intervened, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority officials said.
The strike began after negotiations between SEPTA and its engineers and electricians unions failed to reach a new contract deal Friday. It shut down 13 train lines that carry commuters from Philadelphia to the suburbs, Philadelphia International Airport and New Jersey.
Obama on Saturday granted Republican Gov. Tom Corbett’s request to create a presidential emergency board to mediate the contract dispute, forcing the 400 union workers to go back. Obama ordered the establishment of the three-member board effective at 12:01 a.m. Sunday and called for “a swift and smooth resolution.” … (more)
