Democratic Leaders Vote , to Impose Unpopular Contracts , on Railroad Unions to Avoid Strike.<br />On November 28, President Joe Biden and Democratic <br />leaders in Congress agreed to support legislation <br />to block a walk-out by over 100,000 union workers. .<br />On November 28, President Joe Biden and Democratic <br />leaders in Congress agreed to support legislation <br />to block a walk-out by over 100,000 union workers. .<br />CNN reports that the decision came amid <br />the threat of a nationwide freight railroad strike <br />that was set to begin at the end of the week.<br />The news comes as a relief to business <br />groups concerned by the possibility of 30% <br />of the nation's freight lines coming to a stop. .<br />Over 400 business groups had urged leaders in Congress <br />to take quick action against the strike which would have <br />further disrupted shortages and worsened inflation. .<br />Over 400 business groups had urged leaders in Congress <br />to take quick action against the strike which would have <br />further disrupted shortages and worsened inflation. .<br />Anderson Economic Group estimates that a week-long strike could cost the economy $1 billion, at a time when fears of a recession are already high. .<br />CNN reports that the decision comes as <br />a blow to union workers who had rejected <br />labor deals that were reached earlier this fall. .<br />The president of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, <br />Michael Baldwin, said the decision by Democratic<br />leaders has let down the unions and their members.<br />This action prevents us from <br />reaching the end of our process, <br />takes away the strength and ability <br />that we have to force bargaining or <br />force the railroads to…do the right thing, Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood <br />of Railroad Signalmen, via CNN.<br />According to Baldwin, the strike was meant to <br />address a lack of sick pay, which is an issue that <br />rail unions have sought to address for decades. .<br />This became a glaring issue during <br />the pandemic when we had members <br />who were forced by their employers, <br />the railroads, to stay home <br />and quarantine without pay, Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood <br />of Railroad Signalmen, via CNN
