The first railroad union has voted to authorize a strike as the “cooling off” period in negotiations nears the end.
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members voted to reject a tentative agreement with railroads, the union said in a statement on Sept. 14.
The approximately 4,900 members also voted to authorize a strike, but agreed to delay the strike until Sept. 29 to enable continued negotiations in order to reach an agreement the members will accept.
“IAM freight rail members are skilled professionals who have worked in difficult conditions through a pandemic to make sure essential products get to their destinations. We look forward to continuing that vital work with a fair contract that ensures our members and their families are treated with the respect they deserve for keeping America’s goods and resources moving through the pandemic,” the union said….