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Biden’s Victory Lap Was Premature: Unions Still Threaten a Railroad Strike

Posted on Monday, October 17, 2022
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by AMAC, John Grimaldi
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Unions

WASHINGTON, DC, Oct 17 — Brace yourselves for another “inflationary surprise.” The threat of a disastrous railway strike still looms despite President Biden’s boast that he settled the matter last month. It turns out that the president was premature in taking credit for a settlement. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees [BMWE] has issued a statement that its members voted down the so-called Biden deal “resetting the countdown to a potential work stoppage.” And although the BMWE is just one of the 12 union’s involved, its labor attorney, Richard Edelman, told CBS News that “if one of the unions strikes everybody will honor the picket line.”

The union says it ready to negotiate with railroad managements but if they still cannot work out a deal it could mean a strike in late November. Meanwhile, the two biggest rail unions — the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, Transportation union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen — may also decide to go on strike. CNN reports that “Online chatter among the conductors union and engineers union members signal they want a strike before even seeing the contract, while some are calling for reason, the source said. Conductors union and engineers union members will be mailed ballots later this month with a 21-day voting period. Results of those votes should be known in mid-November, just before the BMWE could be going on strike without a new deal.”

And according to Newsweek, “all 12 railroad unions must agree to the deal to avoid a strike.” That report went on to say “The economic impacts of a strike would be far-reaching and devastating to many Americans. More than 1 million jobs are tied directly to railroads, and trains that transport goods across the U.S. would be forced to sit idle, potentially resulting in $2 billion in lost trade each day, according to the Association of American Railroads…Worries about a strike could add to already existing economic concerns felt by millions of American voters ahead of the midterms. Voters consistently name inflation and the economy among their top issues ahead of the midterms, in which both parties see a path to victory.”

A new Rasmussen poll shows how important a role inflation may play in the November elections. It shows that inflation is top of mind for a massive 89% of likely U.S. voters. The Rasmussen survey also showed that “Sixty percent now say the policies of President Joe Biden’s administration have increased inflation, a finding just slightly changed since May. Only 13% believe Biden’s policies have decreased inflation, while 23% think Biden’s policies have not made much difference in inflation.” 

Biden intervened in negotiations between the railroads and the workers’ unions on September 15, announcing at the end of the meetings that a deal had been done. He told reporters: “This is a win for tens of thousands of rail workers, and for their dignity — and the dignity of their work.” And so as NBC News described it: “For the president and fellow Democrats, the deal offers a measure of political relief after fears that the economic fallout from a strike could further squeeze households hit by stubbornly high inflation.” And that is pretty scary.

For example, should a strike take place, The Hill says that among other things, it will have a negative impact on food production and gas supplies among other necessities. According to its report, trains transport 1.6 million carloads of food annually and they are a critical transporter of ethanol and crude oil as well.

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Elizabeth Elliott
Elizabeth Elliott
1 year ago

Like the new systens

Max
Max
1 year ago

As usual, Pres. Biden and his infamous administration put the cart before the horse. I’m sure he had plenty of ice cream after his “supposed” victory settlement was announced. (LOL)

Elizabeth
Elizabeth
1 year ago

MSR Test

Andrew
Andrew
1 year ago

When that was announced I had friends and neighbors asking me about it since I am a railroad employee. I told them that it was a tentative agreement and that we the union workers would now vote it up or down.My union voted it up by a very slim margin.If another union strikes we will not cross the picket line.

Jeanette
Jeanette
1 year ago

God help us; Biden will kill rail travel like he’s done with all he touches.

Lisa Skinner
Lisa Skinner
1 year ago

Did you actually use the phrase “top of mind” in your article ? ????????‍♀️

anna hubert
anna hubert
1 year ago

So it it is not up to we the people but we the union and the bosses have their own agenda and deals I am sure membership is brainwashed into following orders

Jeb
Jeb
1 year ago

Almost hoping that it goes to a full blown strike…

HocasPocas
HocasPocas
1 year ago

Just part of the biden regime’s plan to destroy this country

Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis
1 year ago

The lowest water levels in the Mississippi River in a decade, caused by a severe Midwest drought, have closed the vital channel to barge traffic at a crucial time of the year for the transport of crops from the nation’s heartland.
Another supply chain crisis: Barge traffic halted on Mississippi River
A strike would create a double whammy on the supply chain!

Art
Art
1 year ago

Marty Walsh,labor leader,Democrat Mayor of Boston,and now the Labor Secretary in the B(best)I(idiot)D(Democrats)E(ever)N(nominated) administration is on point on this. Just think 12 unions offered 24% $$$$$ increase. That sure is hard negotiating. You go Marty. You refugee from Massachusetts.

The aftermath of a disaster while the flag hangs.
Governor Tim Walz giving a speech at a Podium in September 2024
Fema.gov Disasters USA Government home page under magnifying glass.

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