Senate Republicans tried to force labor unions and railroads to resolve a fight over contract negotiations, which could lead to a rail strike.
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There was unanimous consent for the resolution that would force the two sides to accept the recommendations of the emergency board. That would require agreement from all of the senators, and that was objected to by the independent from Vermont.
There will be a strike and rail traffic will stop if Congress doesn't act by Friday.
If an agreement isn't reached by the Friday deadline, as many as 125,000 workers will walk off the job. A strike that threatens supply chains and costs more than $2 billion a day is being worked on by the Biden administration.
The Presidential Emergency Board made recommendations to resolve the dispute, including wage increases and improved health coverage, but they did not include the terms the unions wanted.
Several industry groups are calling on Congress to avoid a strike. The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors urged Congress to take action to prevent a rail strike from disrupting the supply chain.
Time is running out for lawmakers. Many Democrats want negotiations to end on their own, while unions want lawmakers not to intervene.
Nancy Pelosi wants negotiations to prevail so there is no need for Congress to act. The main disagreement is over not having sick leave for workers, according to the California Democrat.
The chair of the House transportation and infrastructure committee has been in touch with the White House, but hasn't had any discussions about how Congress might act if time runs out.
Everyone hates the freight railroads right now.
Marty Walsh is trying to broker a deal between freight-rail companies and unions. A decree is being considered by the White House.
Service and travel disruptions have been caused by the potential for a strike. Most Northeastern line trains would not be affected by the cancellation of all long-distance trains.
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