The White House issued a press release today announcing President George W. Bush's first steps toward possible intervention in the West Coast ports' lockout. Under the Taft-Hartley Act, the president will convene a Board of Inquiry to examine the work stoppage at the West Coast ports.

A Board of Inquiry is part of a framework established by Congress to address labor disputes that threaten national health and safety.

"The dispute is a threat to America's national health and safety," the press release stated. "The health of our economy in every corner of America is in jeopardy because of the dispute."

Read the complete White House press release at: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021007-5.html and the President's executive order at: www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/10/20021007-3.html.
-- By Rene Tankersley