The possibility of a train strike in the US is once again on the table. At GLM we explain what effect this action by the workers would have on the economy and on your pocket
The possibility of a train strike looms over the United States once again, after it appeared that such an option had been left off the table in September when a tentative agreement was reached that included a substantial wage increase for workers. railwaymen .
Now, a nationwide train strike is likely to start just two weeks before Christmas in the United States, spelling potential disaster for the country’s economy and significantly boosting inflation , as well as angering millions of Americans whose greatest wish is Get gifts to celebrate the festive season.
The US train system not only transports basic consumer products and raw materials, but is also an essential part of importing Canadian crude oil and exporting gasoline and diesel to Mexico, so there is the possibility that a strike of this style also has a direct impact on fuel prices .
So far, many unions have proposed not accepting the deal offered by the White House. The president of the United States, Joe Biden, has requested support from Congress to be able to solve the situation, since this institution has arbitration measures to regulate strikes due to the combination of the Constitution and the United States Railway Labor Law.
The main reason for the rail unions’ protest is to obtain better working conditions.
It appears that the railway companies did not agree to grant workers permission to attend medical appointments or attend to personal emergency matters without incurring a reprimand or other disciplinary action.
Similarly, union representatives said that workers often received notice that they were going to have longer work shifts without any advance notice.
According to a Bloomberg Law report reviewed by The Hill portal, many employees in the railway sector had to work up to 12 hours a day and could be called to work seven days a week.
Given this, the railway companies have argued the need to keep labor costs low, and that they need the people who use these services to know that they can count on them .
Although the deal agreed in September included wage increases , it did not include a commitment on paid medical leave, putting the possibility of a strike once again on the table.