Union Rejects Rail Contract, Creating Uncertainty — Tell Congress to Prevent a Rail Strike
On October 10, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED), which represents 12,000 of the 110,000 total rail workers, rejected a tentative contract with the railroads (BMWED announcement, railroad response). The two sides will try to negotiate a new contract during the cooling off period, which ends November 14. The union could call a strike after November 14. The rank and file of four of the 12 rail worker unions have formally ratified the contract to date. The remainder of the unions, including the two biggest, have until mid-November to ratify the contract. On September 15, after President Biden intervened, the railroads and rail workers reached a tentative deal. The deal came after TGA and others urged Congress to step in to prevent a strike. To keep up pressure to ratify the deal, TGA urges you, your staff, your colleagues, your family, and your friends to urge Congress to make sure the deal is finalized and a strike is averted. It only takes one minute through this link to send letters.