The tentative freight railroads union deal brokered — in part — by the White House has crumbled after workers rejected a contract that fails to improve working conditions.
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) recently became the second union to give the measure a thumbs down. Representing more than 4,000 workers, over 60 percent voted against adopting the measure. Although pay increases and bonuses are on the table, rank-and-file members appear to be fighting to change working conditions and ensure reasonable sick time.
“For the first time that I can remember, the BRS members voted not to ratify a National Agreement, and with the highest participation rate in BRS history,” BRS President Michael Baldwin reportedly stated. “That’s the resounding message we heard everywhere. Our guys worked through the pandemic. The employers made them quarantine at home, and they didn’t get paid.”
Third-quarter profit margins reveal railroad corporations enjoyed a banner year. The Jacksonville, Florida-based CSX posted a 15 percent profit after moving 2 percent more freight. The Norfolk-Southern touted a 27 percent profit, having increased shipping rates. Based in Atlanta, Norfolk-Southern pulled down $958 during the third quarter. Despite these massive profits, 40 percent of the country’s long-haul goods and materials could come to a screeching halt over sick time.
“It’s the primary outstanding issue, one we won’t budge on — the request that they stop firing people who get sick,” Dennis Pierce, president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen,” reportedly said. “It would not harm their operations to treat employees like humans and let them take care of medical issues.”
Reports indicate freight railroad corporations impose what has been called among “the most punitive in any American industry.” A system was adopted by Union Pacific that affords employees limited points. Each time someone misses work due to illness, or that of a family member, they lose points. Should an ailing child or spouse require their care, the railroad worker faces suspension or termination.
“It’s not clear if the negotiators who were negotiating on (workers) behalf knew where the red lines were,” former Treasury Department official Christine McDaniel reportedly said.
A pair of major unions have now rejected the deal while a handful of smaller groups have agreed. Others have not taken the measure to a rank-and-file vote, and consensus exists that no workers will cross a picket line. Unless all 12 unions approve contracts in the coming weeks, a national strike could take place as early as Nov. 19.
A strike by railroad workers would send shockwaves across the supply chain. Congress has the authority to intervene, and many believe lawmakers would act to prevent a crisis.
“The alternative is to let Congress write our agreement, and I’m not really comfortable with letting them do that,” Ron Behrens, general secretary-treasurer for BRS affiliate, Union Pacific General Committee 88, reportedly said. “We’ve got labor-friendly congressmen and senators, but how adept are they at writing a labor agreement, you know?”
Sources: tampabay.com, pbs.org, politico.com, usnews.com
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