With a rail strike possible by November 19th, the industry waits with bated breath

Company CultureHigh Tech / High TouchHealth & Safety
Written By Jennifer Joslyn

Rail negotiations between the union workers and the railroads have been like a yo-yo. With a strike narrowly avoided in September, it seems we are near square one. The presidential emergency board assisted initially, recommending a proposal between the disagreeing parties. However, paid sick leave seems to be the lynchpin.

Two unions - The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - have rejected the tentative deal brokered by the White House’s arbitrators. Without an agreement in place, labor actions could begin as soon as November 19th. Four unions have yet to hold votes on the matter - The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 19, The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, and The SMART Transportation Division.

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Jennifer Joslyn
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