There is a new date of Dec 2, 2022.

President Joe Biden signed legislation on Friday for a new contract between railroad companies and labor unions to avert a nationwide rail strike, ending months of debate over a potential strike that could shake the economy as it gears up for the holiday season.

President Biden Signs Resolution To Avert Nationwide Rail Strike

The legislation was signed by the president.

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The contract was approved by the Senate in an 11th hour vote, avoiding a strike by workers.

The agreement includes a 24% raise for workers through 2024 as well as one additional paid personal day off, although members of four rail unions had argued that the deal lacked sufficient paid short-term sick leave.

The more ambitious demand of seven days of paid medical leave that House members had agreed to was not reached after the Senate rejected the bill.

Biden said before he signed the bill that it would help the nation avoid an economic catastrophe at a bad time.

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Biden, who has pledged to unions in his presidential platform, had pleaded with Congressional members on both sides of the aisle to pass legislation to avert a strike. Four of the 12 rail unions voted to oppose the Biden administration's negotiation because it did not provide enough paid sick leave. The railroad companies said the pay raises included in the bill would be the highest in decades. The labor agreement was approved by the House on Wednesday. Many of the U.S. industries would shut down if there was a strike, according to Vice President Biden.

Legislation to prevent rail strike is approved by the house.

The Senate voted to stop the rail strike.