Congress asked to head off potential rail strike

Consumers could quickly start seeing higher gas prices and shortages of some of their favorite groceries if railroads aren’t able to agree on contracts with al 12 of their unions ahead of next month’s deadline after the latest rejection vote Monday.  Congress may ultimately have to step in to protect the economy. Monday’s votes by the two biggest railroad unions follows the decision by three other unions to reject their deals with the railroads.

President Joe Biden is calling on Congress to pass legislation to intervene and block a railroad strike.  Biden says a tentative agreement approved in September provided a pay raise for workers, protected their health care benefits and improved their leave policy.

If Congress acts, it will end the negotiations between four rail unions that rejected their deals and the railroads. Eight other rail unions have ratified their deals that include 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses.

AP