Biden Signs Bill , Avoiding Potentially Devastating , Union Rail Strike.<br />On December 2, President Joe Biden signed legislation that would impose a disputed contract on labor unions to avoid a nationwide rail strike.<br />On December 2, President Joe Biden signed legislation that would impose a disputed contract on labor unions to avoid a nationwide rail strike.<br />'Forbes' reports that the signing ends months <br />of heated debate over a walkout that <br />would shake the already ailing economy. .<br />The strike was estimated to cost <br />the U.S. approximately $2 billion <br />for every day it persisted. .<br />According to Biden, <br />had the strike been <br />allowed to take place, , "many of the U.S. industries <br />would literally shut down.".<br />The president also warned that <br />the strike could have led to 765,000 <br />U.S. workers losing their jobs.<br />Back in September, four out of 12 rail unions voted <br />to oppose the contract negotiations, claiming the <br />package failed to address a lack of paid sick leave. .<br />Back in September, four out of 12 rail unions voted <br />to oppose the contract negotiations, claiming the <br />package failed to address a lack of paid sick leave. .<br />On November 30, the House of Representatives <br />approved forcing the contract on rail unions, <br />while also adding a bill to offer paid sick leave. .<br />While the Senate voted overwhelmingly to <br />approve imposing the contract on rail unions, <br />lawmakers rejected the addition of sick leave. .<br />While the Senate voted overwhelmingly to <br />approve imposing the contract on rail unions, <br />lawmakers rejected the addition of sick leave. .<br />'Forbes' reports that the disputed agreement <br />includes a 24% raise for union workers through <br />2024 and one additional paid personal day.<br />According to Biden, the controversial bill will , "help our nation avoid what, without a doubt,<br />would have been an economic catastrophe <br />at a very bad time in the calendar.".<br />According to Biden, the controversial bill will , "help our nation avoid what, without a doubt,<br />would have been an economic catastrophe <br />at a very bad time in the calendar."
