Biggest US rail union rejects labor deal, sparking holiday strike concerns

Members of the largest US rail workers union rejected a proposed deal on Monday – a move that sparked concerns of a potential strike just ahead of the busy holiday season.

Train conductors represented by the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division, or SMART-TD, narrowly rejected the proposed deal. The vote drew record turnout among the union’s membership of more than 28,000 conductors and other workers.

“SMART-TD members with their votes have spoken, it’s now back to the bargaining table for our operating craft members,” SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson said in a statement on the decision. “This can all be settled through negotiations and without a strike. A settlement would be in the best interests of the workers, the railroads, shippers and the American people.”