Posted on 07/12/2022 2:29:08 PM PDT by dynachrome
Railroad freight traffic across the United States could come to a screeching halt July 18 if progress isn’t made on a labor contract between national rail carriers and their unions.
Union officials stressed they do not want to go on strike, but argued they are being forced to consider the option in a bid to get better benefits, wages and staffing.
The unions have worked without a contract since July 1, 2019.
The two sides were forced into a 30-day “cooling off period” after failing to reach an agreement working through the National Mediation Board. The cooling off period prevents unions from striking or railroads from locking out their workers while they continue to negotiate.
That cooling off period ends at midnight on July 18, and a coalition of unions could choose to go on strike at that point, said Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation union president Jeremy Ferguson.
However, the Railway Labor Act, which sets out the rules for these kinds of disputes, allows President Joe Biden to appoint a three-member emergency board to investigate and make recommendations to both sides about how to settle their differences.
The union is not allowed to strike during the Presidential Emergency Board’s investigation.
The main issues are wages and benefits.
(Excerpt) Read more at aol.com ...
A discussion of the railroad issues involved in the strike talks including friction between the two biggest rail unions with their officers competing to maintain members and union dues revenue. For members, their working conditions are the most significant complaint of train and engine workers.
Still more evidence that labor unions (and specifically “collective bargaining”) should be subject to the Sherman Anti-Trust Act, just like the rest of us.
Wouldn’t Peetee BootyJudge be involved and advising our dear leader.
I doubt there is anyone in the private sector with better deals already than railway workers. This strike ought to be a great help to Buttigieg’s non-solution to the supply chain constipation, what with ships waiting to unload at all ports now, and truck drivers being run out of California by the thousands.
Build Back Better. Right.
Consider this: How much crude oil is being shipped by BNSF to refineries? A BNSF strike should add to gas prices.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.