White House Asks Congress to Avert Rail Strike

While the statement further highlighted the 24% pay increase for rail workers, and that many of the unions in the industry have voted to accept the agreement, it most significantly noted that a strike would fling the whole country into dire circumstances.

“Let me be clear: a rail shutdown would devastate our economy. Without freight rail, many US industries would shut down. My economic advisors report that as many as 765,000 Americans – many union workers themselves – could be put out of work in the first two weeks alone. Communities could lose access to chemicals necessary to ensure clean drinking water. Farms and ranches across the country could be unable to feed their livestock,” said Biden.

A rail shutdown during one of the busiest times of year would likely create complete chaos. Congress has the authority to accept the agreement and prevent an interruption in the nation’s supply chain, but hopefully it won’t have to come to that.

By Becca Moczygemba, Becca@SteelMarketUpdate.com