The Association of American Railroads has come out against a move currently underway in the U.S. House to block a potential rail strike.
In a statement, Ian Jefferies, chief executive officer of the AAR, said, “Now is not the time for Congress to put its thumb on the scale and selectively add to labor contracts, including agreements already ratified by employees through a multi-year process.”
After protracted negotiations, the nation’s freight rail companies and railroad workers have failed to agree on a contract. In September, a tentative agreement called for giving workers a 24% raise over the next five years, among other features.
The Association of American Railroads characterized that agreement as historic, which includes an immediate $16,000 average payout in retroactive raises and bonuses.
To date, seven of the 12 unions representing the nation’s rail workers have voted to ratify the tentative agreement. Four have come out against it. If any single union of the 12 representing the nation’s rail workers comes out against an agreement and decides to go on strike, the other unions honor that union’s picket lines.
In recent days union leaders have noted that unless all the unions and the major rail freight carriers come to an agreement, a nationwide rail strike will begin on December 9.
Analysts have predicted that if that rail strike becomes reality, it could cost the national economy at least $2 billion per day. The strike could also impact water and power supplies.
For his part, President Biden has now called on Congress to pass legislation to prevent a strike, supporting in the process the September tentative agreement. Biden also warned that any attempts on the part of members of Congress to tinker with that agreement “would risk delay and a debilitating shutdown.”
“The agreement,” the President added, “was reached in good faith by both sides.”
A different take on the dispute was voiced by Florida Senator Marco Rubio who said, “Just because Congress has the authority to impose a heavy-handed solution does not mean we should.”
Rubio added that he would not vote for “any deal that does not have the support of the rail workers.”
By Garry Boulard
