Democratic Leaders Vote , to Impose Unpopular Contracts , on Railroad Unions to Avoid Strike.
On November 28, President Joe Biden and Democratic
leaders in Congress agreed to support legislation
to block a walk-out by over 100,000 union workers. .
On November 28, President Joe Biden and Democratic
leaders in Congress agreed to support legislation
to block a walk-out by over 100,000 union workers. .
CNN reports that the decision came amid
the threat of a nationwide freight railroad strike
that was set to begin at the end of the week.
The news comes as a relief to business
groups concerned by the possibility of 30%
of the nation's freight lines coming to a stop. .
Over 400 business groups had urged leaders in Congress
to take quick action against the strike which would have
further disrupted shortages and worsened inflation. .
Over 400 business groups had urged leaders in Congress
to take quick action against the strike which would have
further disrupted shortages and worsened inflation. .
Anderson Economic Group estimates that a week-long strike could cost the economy $1 billion, at a time when fears of a recession are already high. .
CNN reports that the decision comes as
a blow to union workers who had rejected
labor deals that were reached earlier this fall. .
The president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen,
Michael Baldwin, said the decision by Democratic
leaders has let down the unions and their members.
This action prevents us from
reaching the end of our process,
takes away the strength and ability
that we have to force bargaining or
force the railroads to…do the right thing, Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood
of Railroad Signalmen, via CNN.
According to Baldwin, the strike was meant to
address a lack of sick pay, which is an issue that
rail unions have sought to address for decades. .
This became a glaring issue during
the pandemic when we had members
who were forced by their employers,
the railroads, to stay home
and quarantine without pay, Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood
of Railroad Signalmen, via CNN
