Back to the Drawing Board: Massive rail union strikes down labor contract

The largest freight union, SMART Transportation Division, comprised of 28,000 workers has rejected the contract agreement brokered by the Biden Administration.

Almost 51 percent voted against the deal.

Another large union, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, voted to ratify the agreement by 53 percent, according to Reuters.

The agreement gives workers a quarter percent increase in pay over five years, and some changes to the railroads’ strict attendance policies.

There are now four unions that have voted down the agreement. If no agreement is reached by December 8th, the railroads could lock workers out or workers could go on strike.

Story via David Shepardson and Lisa Baertlein with Reuters

Related Stories
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall says more conversations need to occur with stakeholders present surrounding President Trump’s proposal to lower consumer beef prices with Argentinian imports.
Corn and wheat inspections outpaced last year, but soybean movement remains seasonally active yet behind, keeping basis and freight dynamics in focus by corridor.
Lawmakers are pressing for answers on how Washington’s “managed trade” approach — keeping leverage through long-term tariffs — will affect farmers, global markets, and future export opportunities.
In the meantime, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is asking that farmers be allowed to use marketing assistance loans to help stay afloat.
Beef industry groups seem to agree — market-based pricing, not federal intervention, best supports rancher livelihoods and long-term beef supply stability.
Cattle groups say additional imports would offer little relief for consumers but could erode rancher confidence as the industry begins to rebuild herds.