Shipping and Logistics

White House Asks Congress to Avert Rail Strike

Written by Becca Moczygemba

November 29, 2022

The White House released a statement on Nov. 28 requesting Congress to pass immediate legislation that would adopt the tentative agreement between railroad workers and operators. As concerns of a rail strike grow, an agreement could deter members from striking.

“This agreement was approved by labor and management negotiators in September. On the day that it was announced, labor leaders, business leaders, and elected officials all hailed it as a fair resolution of the dispute between the hard-working men and women of the rail freight unions and the companies in that industry,” stated President Joe Biden.

While the statement further highlighted the 24% pay increase for rail workers, and that many of the unions in the industry have voted to accept the agreement, it most significantly noted that a strike would fling the whole country into dire circumstances.

“Let me be clear: a rail shutdown would devastate our economy. Without freight rail, many US 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,” said Biden.

A rail shutdown during one of the busiest times of year would likely create complete chaos. Congress has the authority to accept the agreement and prevent an interruption in the nation’s supply chain, but hopefully it won’t have to come to that.

By Becca Moczygemba, Becca@SteelMarketUpdate.com

Becca Moczygemba

Becca Moczygemba is a reporter and editor for Steel Market Update. She has been in the steel industry since 2017, specializing in flat-rolled products. Prior to joining SMU, she held positions at Mitsui & Co. and Kloeckner Metals. Becca has a BA in Organizational/Corporate Communication from the University of Houston and an MBA from Norwich University. Contact Becca at becca@steelmarketupdate.com or 724-720-1000.

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