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Happening This Week: (More) Rail Workers to Vote on Proposed Labor Deal


This week, more than half of freight rail workers in the country are set to vote on whether or not to approve a proposed labor deal that was brokered by the Biden administration by in September.

Readers might recall that the Biden administration stepped in to help negotiate a new labor deal in an effort to avoid a strike by these rail workers that could immobilize the economy headed into the Christmas season.  However, in order for that proposed labor deal to take effect, several unions have to vote on whether or not to approve it.  In doing so, that has set up a few high stakes votes in recent weeks among members from these various unions.

At current count, seven unions have voted in favor of the deal while three have voted against it.  Those in support of the deal point out that it provides rail workers with better pay and benefits and is the best deal they could have hoped to get.  However, opponents of the deal have argued that it does not go far enough and leaves workers vulnerable to further economic slowdowns and inflation.

Will enough rail workers approve the measure to avoid a strike?  Perhaps.  If not, Congress might step in and take steps to prevent the rail workers from striking in an effort to keep the economy humming and stave off a potential crisis.


For additional information:  https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/15/railroad-unions-struggle-00066603

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