OMAHA, Neb. — Railroad engineers accepted their deal with the railroads that will deliver 24% raises but conductors rejected theirs, threatening the health of...
A 2021 file photo shows freight train cars and containers at Norfolk Southern Railroad's Conway Yard in Conway, Pa. Railroad engineers accepted their deal with the railroads that will deliver 24% raises but conductors rejected the contract casting more doubt on whether the industry will be able to resolve the labor dispute before next month’s deadline without Congress’ help. The votes, Monday, Nov.
But many union members have voted to reject the contracts because, they say, they fail to address demanding schedules and quality of life issues for employees. “Fortunately, this year’s holiday gifts have already landed on store shelves. But an interruption to rail transportation does pose a significant challenge to getting items like perishable food products and e-commerce shipments delivered on time, and it will undoubtedly add to the inflationary pressures already hitting the U.S. economy,” said Jess Dankert with the group that represents more than 200 major retailers.
Workers frustrated with the demanding schedules and deep job cuts in the industry pushed to reject these contracts because they don’t resolve workers’ key quality-of-life concerns. The deals for the engineers and conductors did include a promise to try to improve the scheduling of regular days off and negotiate the details of those schedules further at each railroad.
The railroads maintain that the deals with the unions should closely follow the recommendations made this summer by a special panel of arbitrators Biden appointed. That’s part of the reason why they don’t want to offer paid sick time. Plus, the railroads say the unions have agreed over the years to forgo paid sick time in favor of higher pay and strong short-term disability benefits.
“A national rail strike would severely impact the economy and the public. Now, the continued, near-term threat of one will require that freight railroads and passenger carriers soon begin to take responsible steps to safely secure the network in advance of any deadline,” the railroads said.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Music City Misery: Five takeaways from Florida football's 31-24 loss at VanderbiltA look at five takeaways for the Florida Gators following their 31-24 loss to the Vanderbilt Commodores in Nashville, Tenn.
Read more »
5 Thanksgiving Meal Kits You Can Still Get Before Nov. 24Whipping up a Thanksgiving feast is no piece of cake. But these Thanksgiving meal kits can turn you into the hostess with the mostess.
Read more »
TAPPS Div. I Regional: Forth Worth Nolan 38, Antonian 24Ricky Gonzalez and Raleigh Strode combine for 265 receiving yards as Fort Worth Nolan beat...
Read more »