An overwhelming majority of the nation’s oldest rail labor union voted to authorize a nationwide walkout amid stalled contract negotiations that could potentially bring train shipments to a halt as early as July 18.
On July 12, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) members approved the strike by a 99.5 percent margin.
The union currently represents more than 57,000 rail workers.
In a statement, BLET national president Dennis Pierce said the strike could begin “in the coming days” to “secure a contract worthy” of consideration.
“Contrary to the self-serving propaganda being spread by the rail carriers, the BLET membership owes no one an apology for voting as they did. I, too, voted with the majority and I applaud them for doing it,” Pierce said….