Unions have until December 9 to approve an agreement.
The deadline for a labor agreement between railroads and labor unions has been pushed back again. Another railroad workers union has voted not to accept an agreement as the deadline to reach a deal is now set for December 9. An agreement has already been reached between union leaders and the railroads’ management, but workers at the unions may vote it down.
Understaffing is one of the issues expressed by the rail workers as negotiations have continued into their second year.
If all the unions do not approve the agreement, action could be taken by Congress under the Railway Labor Act. Legislative intervention could extend negotiations or force a deal from the Presidential Emergency Board.
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said, “My goal is to get those two unions back at the table with companies and get this thing done.” He added, “The best thing we can do is avoid any type of rail strike or slowdown.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Walsh as he facilitates labor negotiations between railroads and unions.
- For members of the Presidential Emergency Board as they provide recommendations to the negotiating parties.
- For discernment for members of Congress as they consider their possible role in resolving the dispute.
Sources: Fox Business, CNN, Washington Examiner, CNBC
