There Are Still Sticking Points. The probability of a rail strike in coming weeks has increased to 30%, according to an analyst. Experts have estimated a strike could cause a $2 billion daily hit to the U.S. economy.
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A rail strike could have frozen almost 30% of U.S. cargo shipments by weight, stoked already surging inflation, cost the American economy as much as $2 billion a day, and stranded millions of rail passengers.
A strike would cause $2 billion a day in lost economic output, according to the Association of American Railroads, which lobbies on behalf of rail companies.
The schedules are of particular concern with rail workers citing a lack of sick leave, inability to routinely visit the doctor or tend to family emergencies, and weekslong stretches of being on call.
A prolonged rail strike could create all types of shortages, from gasoline to food to automobiles, and cause a spike in the prices of all types of consumer goods. It can screw up the commutes of tens of thousands of workers who take the train to work, slow the delivery of parts and force factories to shut down.
A strike could start as soon as Dec.9 if not avertedThe bill passed the House on Wednesday, and it will now go to President Biden's desk. The House also passed a separate bill that would give rail workers seven paid sick days, but the Senate did not pass the measure.
Unless a deal on pay, job security and working conditions is reached between unions and rail operators, it's likely that strikes could continue for the rest of 2023.
A potential strike could lead to $2 billion a day in lost economic output, according to the Association of American Railroads, which lobbies on behalf of rail companies. Freight railroads are responsible for carrying 40% of the nation's long-haul freight and a work stoppage could jeopardize these shipments.
“At a time of record-breaking profits, that industry can and must guarantee at least seven paid sick days to every rail worker in America,” Sanders said. “In the year 2023, that is not a whole lot to ask.”
Widespread economic impactAmong the problems could be: Gasoline: Without freight railroads, oil refineries would have trouble producing their current volumes of gasoline, which could send gas prices higher, ending a string of three months of falling prices at the pump.
Commuters will be hit by another round of strikes this week as the dispute between rail workers and train operating companies over pay, jobs and working conditions continues.
Update on rail services during industrial action on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 September 2023. ASLEF have announced a strike on Friday 1 September. The RMT have announced strike action for Saturday 2 September. ASLEF have also announced a ban on overtime working on Saturday 2 September.
A separate strike by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) will take place on Friday 2 June 2023. The widespread disruption will see 20,000 railway workers in catering, train managers and station staff all take action as passengers face more travel chaos from three strikes in just four days.