One of the largest rail unions in the country rejected a Biden administration-brokered deal with railways Monday over concerns regarding working conditions, forcing both sides back to the bargaining table and raising the specter of a potentially devestating strike next month.
According to a BMWED press release, the vote saw record turnout with almost 12,000 members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of International Brotherhood of Teamsters voting. 56% of the voters opposed the deal and 56% supported it. According to a BMWED press release, nearly 12,000 members of Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED), cast ballots.
The strike could have devastating consequences for the U.S. Economy, which depends on railroads for key commodities such as oil, coke, fertilizer chemicals, and other commodities. It could cost the country $2 billion per day. This represents nearly 40% of all long-distance commerce in the United States. To replace them, it would take almost half million trucks.
The Daily Caller News Foundation questioned Clark Ballew Communications Director at BMWED about fair deals. He stated that the union’s management consisted of rank-and-file members of the BMWED and rejected the tentative agreement.
