Railroads and Unions Reach Tentative Contracts

Major railroads and their unions are rapidly reaching contract agreements to prevent a repeat of the national strike threat experienced two years ago, with two new tentative agreements announced recently. Both parties are aware of the implications of President-elect Donald Trump's potential influence in resolving disputes, which may motivate them to negotiate more effectively. Despite current contracts not expiring until July, there is an urgency to settle these matters. Unions remain concerned over job cuts and have observed larger wage increases in other labor negotiations. The Railway Labor Act allows for presidential intervention if disputes arise, as seen in 2022. The recent agreements involve the Transportation Communications Union and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, among others.