WASHINGTON – Railroad companies and unions representing tens of thousands of workers have reached a tentative agreement to avoid what would be an economically damaging strike, following protests negotiations lasted all night, brokered by Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh, President Biden said early Thursday morning.
The agreement is now open to union members to vote on ratification, a standard procedure in labor negotiations. While the vote was being checked, the workers agreed not to strike.
The negotiations, brokered by Mr Walsh, began on Wednesday morning and lasted 20 hours. Mr. Biden called around 9 p.m. Wednesday, a person familiar with the negotiations said, and he praised the deal on Thursday in a lengthy statement.
“The agreement expected to be reached tonight is an important win for our economy and the American people,” Biden said. “It’s a victory for the tens of thousands of railroad workers who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to ensure that America’s families and communities receive what has kept us going through these difficult years. this towel.”
The White House did not immediately release details of the agreement. Discussions have stalled as one worker pushes companies to improve working conditions, including allowing workers to take unpaid leave to see doctors.
“These railroad workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and more peace of mind about the costs of their health care: all of them needy,” Biden said. “The deal is also a win for the railroads, who will be able to retain and hire more workers for an industry that will continue to be a backbone of the American economy for decades. next”.
