November 30, 2022
We are one step closer to averting a catastrophic freight rail strike that could cost the US economy as much as $1 billion in just the first week.
But there was a last minute addition to the deal you should know about.
The House passed a bipartisan bill this morning to force the rail unions and the rail carriers to accept the tentative rail deal that was negotiated between them and the Biden administration back in September. As is. With no changes.
But! The House *also* passed a separate amendment bill that would add an additional seven days of paid sick leave for the rail workers to the deal.
But this is *far* from over and now is really when the pitfalls start to pop up because we’re moving to the Senate.
First, all 100 Senators have to agree to put this legislation on the fast track for a vote. Right now, they don’t have all 100 Senators agreeing to that. But they’re hoping to get them by tomorrow.
And even *if* they do get all 100 Senators to a yes on the fast track, it’s certainly possible the senate can pass the deal without passing the sick leave amendment or not pass either of the bills.
The rail strike is set to happen late next week.
