We're encouraged to report that solution-oriented action is propelling our rail sector forward, away from the threat of a nationwide strike. The House voted this morning to prevent a massive rail shutdown by implementing the labor agreement reached in September, which includes a 24% wage increase for rail workers. The deal was already approved by eight of the nation's largest rail unions.
Click below to read the media statement we issued yesterday applauding President Joe Biden for echoing our pleas to Congress, thanking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for swiftly endorsing the president's move, and reiterating our push for congressional intervention.
Buckle up! The legislation passed by the House now heads to the Senate. The threatened rail strike is slated to start December 9th, but shipments of essential energy and wastewater treatment supplies could be halted ahead of that date to ensure they're not stranded in transit. That means the Senate has just days to get this done. Democratic and Republican leaders in the Senate both support imposing the agreement, aligning with the solution President Biden urged earlier this week – and what BizFed has been calling for since September.
Please contact BizFed Senior Policy Manager Chris Wilson at chris.wilson@bizfed.org if you have any questions.
Click below to read the letter we sent to President Biden and leaders in Congress at the beginning of November, as well as the joint press release we issued in September with leaders from the groups below. Our stance on this issue remains unchanged. Congress must act to prevent further exacerbation of ongoing supply chain issues.
California Business Roundtable
California Retailers Association
FuturePorts
Long Beach Area Chamber
Los Angeles Area Chamber
San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership
Please circulate this fast-moving intel within your own networks. Stay tuned for developments.
Onward!
