He didn’t give rail workers paid leave in legislation. But he can still do it through an executive order.
A train engineer talks about President Biden forcing a contract on rail workers, the failure of rail union leadership during negotiations, and why he thinks progressives in Congress should be commended for their role pushing for seven paid sick days.
The survey was conducted by Railroad Workers United, an umbrella organization that stretches across the freight rail industry’s multiple unions, 13 of which are involved in contract talks with most of the nation’s largest freight rail carriers.
The railroads and their unions have been embroiled in a contract dispute since January 2020, with wages and health care benefits being major sticking points. Unless the White House acts, either party is free to exercise “self-help” options — including a strike that could occur as early as 12:01 a.m. next Monday.
A federal board would first have to approve a walkout.
The catering workers, some of whom earn as little as $8.46 an hour, are asking for higher wage and less costly health insurance.
Spread the word