“Let me be clear: a rail shutdown would devastate our economy,” Joe Biden said in a statement. “Without freight rail, many U.S. industries would shut down.”
Biden said that as a “a proud pro-labor president” he was reluctant to override the views of people who voted against the agreement. “But in this case — where the economic impact of a shutdown would hurt millions of other working people and families — I believe Congress must use its powers to adopt this deal."
The business groups led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers and National Retail Federation said even a short-term strike would have a tremendous impact and the economic pain would start to be felt even before the Dec. 9 strike deadline. They said the railroads would stop hauling hazardous chemicals, fertilizers and perishable goods up to a week beforehand to keep those products from being stranded somewhere along the tracks.
A similar group of businesses sent another letter to Biden last month urging him to play a more active role in resolving the contract dispute.“No one benefits from a rail work stoppage — not our customers, not rail employees and not the American economy,” said AAR President and CEO Ian Jefferies. “Now is the appropriate time for Congress to pass legislation to implement the agreements already ratified by eight of the twelve unions.
“The Biden administration’s endorsement of congressional intervention affirms what America’s food, beverage, household and personal care manufacturers have been saying: Freight rail operations cannot shut down and imperil the availability and affordability of consumers’ everyday essentials,” said Tom Madrecki, vice president of supply chain for the Consumer Brands Association.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden Calls On Congress to Pass Legislation to Avert Rail ShutdownBig business groups and railroad companies are pressing Congress to intervene to avert a potential strike that would disrupt the flow of goods as soon as next week
Read more »
Biden calls on Congress to head off potential rail strikeOMAHA, Neb. (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday asked Congress to intervene and block a railroad strike before next month’s deadline in the stalled contract talks, following pressure by business groups on the stalled negotiations.
Read more »
Rail strike: Biden calls on Congress to avert 'national rail shutdown'BREAKING: President Biden urged Congress Monday to intervene to avert a 'potentially crippling national rail shutdown,' after multiple rail labor unions shot down an agreement brokered by the White House in September.
Read more »
Biden calls on Congress to head off potential rail strikePresident Joe Biden is calling on Congress to pass legislation to intervene and block a railroad strike before next month’s deadline in the stalled contract talks
Read more »
Biden calls on Congress to head off potential rail strike | amNewYorkPresident Joe Biden on Monday asked Congress to intervene and block a railroad strike before next month's deadline in the stalled contract talks, following pressure by business groups on the stalled negotiations.
Read more »
Biden calls on Congress to head off potential rail strikeFour rail unions are back at the table after rejecting their deals with the railroads, trying to work out new agreements before the Dec. 9 deadline.
Read more »