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
Global trade uncertainty could impact long-term export opportunities.
Lower shipping costs favor corn, while soybeans face pressure.
K-State’s Dr. Gregg Ibendahl breaks down the impacts of the Middle East ceasefire on energy markets and input costs, and what farmers should watch in the weeks ahead.
Coal-based ethanol could weaken long-term export demand for corn-based fuels.
Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.
Tight global supply is likely to keep fuel and fertilizer costs elevated.