NEW YORK, NY (Newsource) – The threat of a freight railroad strike has been avoided, at least for now.
The third-largest railroad union in the U.S. had been prepared to strike as soon as November 20th.
A strike by any rail union would shut down America’s major freight railroads. That’s because all other rail unions would honor the picket lines.
But all four major railroad unions announced Wednesday they’ve agreed to coordinate the date on which they could potentially strike, and that would be early December.
Two unions rejected the tentative agreements reached with the railroads in September, mostly over the lack of paid sick time in the contracts.
Thirty-percent of America’s freight moves by rail, so a shutdown could cause more economic problems for the nation. Congress can act to avoid a strike, lawmakers are due to return from recess next week.
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