Fears Of A Rail Strike Are Surfacing Again

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – The third largest railroad union rejected its deal with the railroads Monday – renewing the possibility of a strike that could cripple the economy – but before that could happen both sides will return to the bargaining table. About 56% of the track maintenance workers represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division union who voted opposed the five-year contract even though it included 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. Union President Tony Cardwell said the railroads didn’t do enough to address worker concerns about the lack of paid time off – particularly sick time – and demanding working conditions after the major railroads eliminated nearly one-third of their jobs over the past six years.