U.S. HOUSE BLOCKS RAIL STRIKE
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to block a nationwide rail strike by imposing a labor contract weeks before a threatened labor stoppage would impact the economy. The resolution, H.J. Res. 100, seeks to prevent a freight shutdown estimated to cost the U.S. $2 billion daily. President Biden asked the House earlier this week to adopt the contract and prevent a rail labor strike to mitigate potential job losses and to ensure communities receive goods necessary for a daily living should the strike action occur.
“Let me be clear: a rail shutdown would devastate our economy. Without freight rail, many U.S. industries would shut down. My economic advisors report that as many as 765,000 Americans – many union workers themselves – could be put out of work in the first two weeks alone. Communities could lose access to chemicals necessary to ensure clean drinking water. Farms and ranches across the country could be unable to feed their livestock. Congress has the power to adopt the agreement and prevent a shutdown.”
President Joe Biden
November 28, 2022
HOUSE REQUIRES PAID SICK LEAVE FOR RAILROAD UNION LABORERS
A primary point of contention throughout these labor negotiations is paid sick leave for rail union workers. Labor unions and their members assert that the railroads should provide paid sick leave to maintain the health and well-being of railroad workers and their families. Railroad representatives state that paid sick leave will be costly and detrimental to railroad operations. In response to this dispute, the House approved H. Con. Res. 119, which will require railroads to provide all covered rail union members with a minimum of seven paid sick days annually. This action does not negate any ratified labor agreements that provide more than seven paid sick days.
PRESIDENT BIDEN ASKS SENATE TO ACT URGENTLY
Both resolutions H.J. Res. 100 and H. Con. Res. 119 require a vote by the U.S. Senate. President Biden praised the House’s efforts and challenged the Senate to move quickly. “…The House of Representatives makes clear that Democrats and Republicans agree that a rail shutdown would be devastating to our economy and families across the country. The Senate must now act urgently,” said Biden. “Let me say that again: without action this week, disruptions to our auto supply chains, our ability to move food to tables, and our ability to remove hazardous waste from gasoline refineries will begin. The Senate must move quickly and send a bill to my desk for my signature immediately.”
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