Pelosi: House Will Consider Intervening to Avert Rail Strike

Congress will consider legislation this week to avert a rail strike, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Monday shortly after President Biden called on Congress to act.

“This week, the House will consider legislation adopting the Tentative Agreement reached in September after months of hard-fought negotiations,” Pelosi said.

The window for the unions and major rail freight carriers to reach a deal before the December 9 strike deadline is shrinking. Such a strike could cripple the nation’s economy, causing huge disruptions to the U.S. supply chain at the start of the holiday season. A strike could also halt passenger rail travel and threaten the nation’s water supply, according to the Washington Post.

Lack of paid sick time and strict attendance policies have emerged as sticking points for four of the twelve unions that represent most U.S. freight railroad workers.