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The U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 30 passed legislation that would impose an agreement on rail unions that are poised to strike.
In a 290–137 vote, the House passed a bill that would impose the tentative agreement that multiple unions have rejected, despite opposition from some of the unions, which wanted Congress to include paid sick leave.
A separate vote was planned on adding paid sick leave to the agreement.
Congress is allowed to take such action under the Railway Labor Act. It last took action to prevent a shutdown in 1994.
Members in support of the bill said it was necessary to avoid a strike.
“A railroad shutdown would cost the economy $2 billion and would wreak havoc on so many fundamental goods and services Americans rely on,” Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) said on the House floor.
Railroad operators have estimated that lost economic output due to a shutdown could reach or even eclipse $2 billion a day. Business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, warned that the 6,300 carloads of food and farm products would likely be affected, along with critical products such as chlorine, used widely as a water purifier.
Opponents said the legislation was rushed but that they were prevented from putting forth amendments.
“It is refreshing we are looking at truly bipartisan legislation today. I’m glad to see we are taking up important issues that affect so many people across the country. However, because the rule provides no real opportunity to improve or amend the underlying bills and morphed into the Christmas tree of last-minute additions, I must oppose the rule. I ask members to do the same,” Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.) said.
A number of the nation’s railroads have been negotiating with 12 unions that represent approximately 115,000 workers.
