Tentative Agreement Reached to Avoid Massive Rail Strike
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Freight rail operators and their unions reached a tentative agreement to avoid a massive strike after 20 straight hours of talks.
Negotiations that began in 2019 reached a tipping point this week, with as many as 60,000 rail workers prepared to strike over complaints about pay, attendance policies and working conditions. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who helped lead the negotiations, tweeted Thursday morning that the deal "balances the needs of workers, businesses, and our nation’s economy." According to the Association of American Railroads, the new contracts give rail workers a 24% wage increase during the five-year period from 2020 through 2024, including an immediate average payout of $11,000 upon ratification.
The possible strike sparked fears of more inflation and supply chain issues, as functioning railways play a critical role in shipping goods. Some disruptions already occurred: Amtrak suspended all long-distance routes, and rail companies CSX and Union Pacific temporarily stopped shipping hazardous materials.
The news was covered prominently across the political spectrum Thursday morning.
Featured Coverage of this Story
From the Left
'Failure wasn't an option here': How Biden navigated a political and economic minefield at a critical moment in rail negotiations
As the marathon meeting between rail industry and union representatives neared its 12th hour, the moment Biden administration officials viewed as equal parts inevitable and essential was set into motion.
It was time for President Joe Biden to call in and underscore the stakes. Biden's message was consistent with the one he'd delivered in private calls over the course of the last several weeks, sources said, but an urgency framed around just how devastating a rail shutdown would be for the country was palpable.
It would be another eight hours before the White House...
From the Left
White House says tentative deal reached to avoid rail strike 
Early Thursday morning, after 20 hours of talks, the White House announced that a looming rail strike was averted and a tentative deal struck between the freight rail operators and their unions. The run-up to the agreement had businesses — and the economy — on the brink.
Why it matters: The negotiations, which started in 2019 but reached a fever pitch this week, were the latest issue to pop up in the game of supply chain whack-a-mole we've played for two-plus years.
Virtually every part of the economy needs functioning railways. Plus, a strike...
From the Right
Rail strike averted, tentative agreement reached
With the deadline to avert a freight railroad strike by Friday morning approaching fast, a tentative agreement has been reached according to the Labor Department.
The new contracts provide rail workers a 24% wage increase during the five-year period from 2020 through 2024, including an immediate payout on average of $11,000 upon ratification, the Association of American Railroads said. The industry trade group added that all tentative agreements are subject to ratification by the unions’ membership.
"These rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind...
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