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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CNN reports that the decision comes as a blow to union workers who had rejected labor deals that were reached earlier this fall.
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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.
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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
