One of the unions representing U.S. rail workers has voted to authorize a strike as a “cooling off” period in negotiations nears its 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.
While the approximately 4,900 members also voted to authorize a strike, they agreed to delay the strike until Sept. 29 to enable talks to continue toward an agreement that the members would 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….