Bret Schanzenbach
President & CEO | Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
The nation is on the precipice of economic disaster as we move full speed ahead to a nationwide rail shutdown that could begin as early as December 9. This shutdown is being driven by four unions continuing to litigate a new labor contract despite the fact that their leadership and the eight other unions reached a tentative deal with six major freight railroads on September 15 that followed the recommendations made by President Biden’s Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) and additional mediation by the Biden Administration.
The September 15, 2022 “tentative agreements” that the leadership of the 12 unions reached with the railroads provided the following:
14.1% wage increase effective immediately and a 24% wage increase by 2024, the most substantial in decades.
Five $1,000 lump sum payments to all employees.
Additional personal leave for all employees.
The majority of railroad workers have accepted the offer negotiated by their representatives based on the Administration’s PEB recommendations. However, four unions rejected the contracts negotiated by their leaders and continue to demand more from the nation’s railroads. All twelve unions have pledged to honor each other’s picket lines, therefore if one union strikes the entire national rail system is driven to a halt.
We encourage you to call your members of Congress and urge them to take immediate steps to prevent a strike and the certain economic destruction that would follow. Tell them how a rail strike will negatively impact your community.
Alternately, you can send an email to your congress member by clicking here and using the US Chamber’s portal.
A stoppage of rail service for any duration would be extremely damaging to American families and our economy.
Tell Congress: Act now and prevent a national rail strike #KeepTheTrainsMoving
