Railroad workers strike

Brut America

A U.S. railroad strike could have detrimental effects on food and fuel supplies, worsen inflation, and cost $2 billion a day. Here’s what’s going on …

Transcript

00:00A potential U.S. railroad strike could send already high food prices even higher.

00:04So why are railroad workers threatening to strike and what is being done to prevent it?

00:08Brute can explain in less than 60 seconds.

00:10Nearly 60,000 railroad workers are threatening to go on strike

00:14if workers unions and railroad companies do not reach a deal.

00:17The negotiations have lasted nearly two years,

00:20with workers demanding raises, better working conditions, and more time off.

00:23The disagreements caused President Biden to appoint a presidential emergency board

00:28to help make recommendations to come to a resolution.

00:30And by September 11th, eight of 12 unions had come to an agreement with railroad companies.

00:35The tentative agreement, based on the board's recommendations,

00:38includes a 24% raise over five years and back pay,

00:41but it does not mention long hours, required on-call shifts, or limited time off.

00:46If no deal is made with the four other unions, the strike could begin as early as Friday.

00:50And it could have detrimental effects,

00:52because railways carry chlorine to wastewater treatment plants,

00:55coal to utility plants, key medical supplies, and food.

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