Large rail union rejects deal, renewing strike possibility

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: ABC News

OMAHA, Neb. -- The third largest railroad union rejected its deal with freight railroads Monday — renewing the possibility of a strike that could cripple the economy — but before that could happen both sides will return to the bargaining table. About 56% of the track maintenance workers represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union who voted opposed the five-year contract even though it included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses.

Union President Tony Cardwell said the railroads didn't do enough to address worker concerns about the lack of paid time off — particularly sick time — and demanding working conditions after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their jobs over the past six years. “Railroaders are discouraged and upset with working conditions and compensation and hold their employer in low regard. Railroaders do not feel valued,” Cardwell said in a statement. “They resent the fact that management holds no regard for their quality of life, illustrated by their stubborn reluctance to provide a higher quantity of paid time off, especially for sickness.”

The railroads didn't immediately comment on the rejected contract. Four other railroad unions have approved their agreements with the freight railroads that include BNSF, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, CSX and Norfolk Southern, but all 12 unions that represent a total of 115,000 workers must ratify their contracts to prevent a strike. One other union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, initially rejected its deal but has since renegotiated a new contract. The voting won't be completed until mid-November.

President Joe Biden put pressure on the railroads and unions to reach a deal last month ahead of a mid-September deadline to allow a strike or walkout. Many businesses also urged Congress to be ready to intervene in the dispute and block a strike if an agreement wasn't reached because so many companies rely on railroads to deliver their raw materials and finished products.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory/large-rail-union-rejects-deal-renewing-strike-possibility-91298002

[cstanleytech]

1. Ya, I am going to side with the workers and they should demand the railroads

gradually hire the workers they fired over the next 2 to 3 years.
Furthermore the workers should get atleast 2 days off a week and if they have to work more than 5 days without a day off their next day off should include 8 hours additional pay.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

2. +1

[Warpy]

3. They also need their hourse strictly regulated

Right now they can be jerked out of sleep after an hour and ordered to go back to work. This is a recipe for disaster, sleep deprived people get into a hell of a lot of accidents that well rested people can avoid.

And yes, they need to rehire anyone not fired for things like drinking on the job or violence. Exhausted workers who said no to coming in and endangering other people should be rehired with back pay.

Regular, predictable hours, adequate rest, the ability to see their families when they are awake. Fire the bosses, not the workers.

[Scruffy1]

4. I agree.

About two months ago a conductor was killed when somebody forgot to reset the derail switch in the UP yard just north of me. This is the kind of thing that happens when workers are not given enough rest. To be on a one-hour call is just insane. You can't even take a little trip or plan anything in your life.

[cstanleytech]

6. "Right now they can be jerked out of sleep after an hour and ordered to go back to work."

That is the same in almost every state for every job and to top it off if you refuse to work overtime you can be fired and that is why we need good unions with contracts to protect the employees as employers cannot be trusted.

[Magoo48]

5. Stay strong Union Workers!

Railroad working conditions make healthy living nearly impossible.