President Biden said early Thursday morning that a tentative agreement had been reached to avert a strike.

A standard procedure in labor talks is for union members to approve the agreement. Workers have decided not to strike.

The talks went on for 20 hours. The Vice President called in at 9 pm. A person familiar with the talks said on Wednesday that they had a deal.

Mr. Biden said that the tentative agreement was an important win for the economy. It is a victory for tens of thousands of rail workers who worked hard to make sure that America's families and communities got deliveries of what have kept us going during these difficult years.

The White House didn't say much about the agreement. Workers want companies to improve working conditions and allow them to take paid leave to visit doctors.

The rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs, according to Mr. Biden. It is a victory for railway companies who will be able to retain and recruit more workers for an industry that will continue to be part of the American economy for decades to come.