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
Corn export pace remains the bright spot, but stable ethanol export demand remains a critical support for corn markets.
February 25, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Rail consolidation could affect grain basis, freight rates, and service reliability across major producing regions.
February 25, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
February 24, 2026 11:57 AM
·
Higher output keeps milk supplies ample, reinforcing expectations for softer dairy prices even as feed costs remain favorable.
February 24, 2026 07:30 AM
·
Expanded global trade access boosts long-term export demand potential for U.S. ag products.
February 23, 2026 03:03 PM
·
Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.
February 23, 2026 10:09 AM
·