President Joe Biden is facing serious threat of strike action from railroad workers after the Midterm election victory in the United States (U.S.) as the Democrats prepare the main election later in the year.
The biggest union in the U.S., which include the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers transportation division (SMART-TD), turned down on Monday the probable agreement supported by Biden, threatening total withdrawal of services that may cause massive disruptions in supply-chain toward the holiday season.
President of SMART-TD, Jeremy Ferguson, in a statement declared: “It’s now back to the bargaining table for our operating craft members. “This can all be settled through negotiations and without a strike. A settlement would be in the best interests of the workers, the railroads, shippers and the American people.”
Rail workers are demanding better pay package and scheduling, including higher safety standards and the ability to take medical leave.
Biden secured a deal after 20 hours negotiations in September. The agreement is becoming by the emerging disagreements between the unions which have complicated the Biden administration efforts to forestall strike.