Railroads reject sick time demands, raising chance of strike

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By JOSH FUNK

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The major freight railroads appear unwilling to give track maintenance workers much more than they received in the initial contract they rejected last week, increasing the chances of a strike.

The railroads took the unusual step of issuing a statement late Wednesday rejecting the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union’s latest request to add paid sick time on top of the 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses they received in the first five-year deal.

Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz said Thursday that he thinks the main reason the BMWED rejected its initial contract last week was that the details of improved expense reimbursement in the deal were still being negotiated at UP while workers were voting. So it wasn’t clear exactly what those workers would receive for their travel expenses when they go on the road to repair tracks.

Six of the 12 railroad unions that represent 115,000 workers nationwide have approved their tentative agreements with the railroads so far, but all of them have to ratify their contracts to avoid a strike. The unions have agreed to put any strike on hold until at least mid-November while the BMWED negotiates a new deal and the other unions vote on their proposed contracts, so there’s no immediate threat the the trains most businesses rely on to deliver their raw materials and finished products will stop moving. A railroad strike could devastate the economy.



FILE - A CSX freight train travels through Alexandria, Va., Sept. 15, 2022. The major freight railroads appear unwilling to give track maintenance workers much more than they received in the initial contract they rejected, increasing the prospects for a strike. The railroads took the unusual step of issuing a statement late Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 rejecting the union’s latest request to add paid sick time on top of the 24% raises they received in the first deal. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/government-and-politics-business-strikes-940da8fc519f8c526ca614e201d01216

[multigraincracker]

1. Great time for a

Sick Out.

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

2. Let's nationalize the railroads

eom

[turbinetree]

3. Yepper spot on................

[LT Barclay]

4. The current CEO's of the railroads must have the brains of a railroad tie. They can see where

things are going, but they are still placing their bets on hauling more coal.

I've had this article in my brain and tout it to people whereever and whenever I can. My biggest score was giving a copy to a Missouri state representative during one of the many times the legislature has debated expanding highway 70 through the state:

https://www.alternet.org/2009/01/lets_get_get_those_freight_trucks_off_the_road_and_put_america_back_on_tracks/

I just wish there was a bio of who (whom?) ever did most of the work. It is a great piece.

[The Protagonist]

11. Airlines too while we're at it.

Service is terrible and prices are ridiculous.

[mike_c]

5. they should strike

Making employees work while sick in this day and age is barbaric.

[moonshinegnomie]

6. probably not a good time to strike

if we are heading into a recession a strike could easily mean that any contract they end up getting is worse than whats on the table now.

[Bayard]

7. Does OSHA get a say in this?

I mean, isn't it a workplace hazard to have these people working while sick?

[James48]

8. I fully support the workers.

And will help picket if they strike.

[Javaman]

9. I have read extensively on this situation. the members need to go on strike.

they shit the union members put up with is disgraceful.

fuck these railroad oligarch assholes.

[Magoo48]

10. Union Strong

The railroads have a choice.
Workers must stand United on demands for healthy working conditions.
Strike for health.