Threats of a railroad strike that would increase pressure on the already fragile U.S. supply chain have been quelled for the time being.
White House officials reached a tentative agreement with freight rail companies and unions representing engineers and conductors just before the strike was set to take place on Sept. 16. The agreement grants rail workers a number of concessions, including 24 percent raises and $5,000 in bonuses, in a deal that is retroactive to 2020. According to the Associated Press (AP), this is the largest raise rail workers have received in more than four decades. The deal also addresses a key demand regarding unpaid time off. Workers were granted one additional paid leave day a year, with railroads also agreeing to let workers take unpaid time off for doctor’s appointments and medical procedures without being penalized. In addition, health insurance premiums will be capped at 15 percent of the total cost of the insurance plan.
The talk