Another rail union approves railroad deal, giving hope to strike avoidance
After the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employee Division and Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen voted no against the approval of the labor contracts proposed by the railroads, many have voiced renewed concerns about a nationwide rail strike. However, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have voted and approved the deal - 52% in favor of 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. Critics of the deal from the former two unions cite quality-of-life concerns and a lack of sick pay to their standards.
The railroads have repeatedly rejected union demands for paid sick leave due to previous deals being made to make up for this matter, including higher wages and strong short-term disability benefits. The deal being rejected by these two unions was specifically mitigated and delivered by the Presidential Emergency Board.
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) has issued a 72-hour strike notice to Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), planning to strike on August 22 if no labor agreement is reached.