Rail Strike Derailed as Biden Signs Labor Bill

Congress also voted on a paid sick leave bill, which the House moved to pass but the Senate chose to deny. The odds were close, however, with a vote of 52-43.
Congress also voted on a paid sick leave bill, which the House moved to pass but the Senate chose to deny. The odds were close, however, with a vote of 52-43.
(Lindsey Pound)

The Senate swiftly moved to pass a tentative rail agreement on Thursday with a landslide 80-15. This move followed the House's favorable vote of 290 to 137 on Wednesday. President Biden signed the bill Friday morning, further derailing the looming labor strike.

Congress also voted on a paid sick leave bill, which the House moved to pass but the Senate chose to deny. The odds were close, however, with a vote of 52-43.

Zippy Duvall, Farm Bureau president, says producers' reliance on rail is what pushed AFBF to support and celebrate averting the rail strike.

"High diesel prices, a truck driver shortage, and low water levels on the Mississippi River have already made shipping conditions difficult," Duvall said in an AFBF press release. "A rail strike would have had a devastating effect on the American economy, especially as families grapple with higher prices caused by inflation."

“There was an industry-wide sigh of relief today after both Congressional chambers voted in favor of implementing the September TAs,” said The Fertilizer Institute's Corey Rosenbusch. “Rail is critical to the movement of fertilizer year-round. Averting embargoes and production delays were crucial to not only ensuring we’re able to provide the fertilizers our nation’s farmers need, but also avoiding additional disruptions to a global market already constrained by geopolitical events and volatile energy prices.”

While some groups are applauding the outcomes, others are outraged.

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) spoke out on the votes in a press release:

"What took place in the United States Senate today is a symptom, and further illustration, of a larger issue in our country. Almost every elected member of Congress campaigns on being “for the working class”; the actions of many today demonstrated they are for the corporate class," BRS said. "The dereliction of duty and inability to hold corporations accountable for a lack of good faith to their employees will not be forgotten."

BRS says their work on the matter will continue, and they will "not be silenced." 

Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary, echoed each response, saying the rail system and workers both deserve protections.

“Our work doesn’t stop here. This Administration will continue to make progress on fostering economic growth and strengthening supply chains, and supporting workers who deserve protections in the workplace.”

According to Biden’s economic advisors, as many as 765,000 Americans — many union workers themselves — would have been put out of work in the first two weeks of shutdowns.

More on rail:

Congress “Likely” to Pass a Rail Deal this Week, According to Soy Transportation Coalition’s Steenhoek
Rail Strike Averted Until Dec. 4, Saving U.S. $2 Billion Per Day

 

Latest News

From Farm to Fire: First Soybased Fire Suppressant Hits the Market
From Farm to Fire: First Soybased Fire Suppressant Hits the Market

Since the 1950s, fire departments across the country have used products containing dangerous PFAS to put out fires. But the United Soybean Board has announced a greener alternative made from soybean meal.

Smartwyre Launches New Data Insight Tool
Smartwyre Launches New Data Insight Tool

Grower Compass is a web interface that uses past data to help retailers better understand their customers and business opportunities.

Ferrie: In Dry Soils, Is It Better to Use Anhydrous and Strip-Till or a Zone Builder?
Ferrie: In Dry Soils, Is It Better to Use Anhydrous and Strip-Till or a Zone Builder?

Based on fieldwork he's done so far, the farmer asks, “Am I drying out the soil early in what looks to be a dry year? Or, am I making the soil more fit so roots can go down as they should?”

Telus Explains Proagrica Acquisition, The Future of Digital Ag Platforms
Telus Explains Proagrica Acquisition, The Future of Digital Ag Platforms

As Chris Terris, VP and Global Head, Animal Agriculture & M&A Growth at Telus Agriculture & Consumer Goods, explains, this acquisition’s complexity led to how the integration unfolded. 

Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps
Skills Survey Reveals U.S. Agriculture & Food Industry Workforce Needs and Gaps

U.S. employers report challenges in finding suitable job candidates with work-ready skills to fill open roles in ag. The AgCareers.com U.S. Skills Survey offers insights, data and trends to address skill development.

Port of Baltimore Shuttered: What Does It Mean for Farm Equipment?
Port of Baltimore Shuttered: What Does It Mean for Farm Equipment?

A 95,000 gross ton container ship crashed into a pylon supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge near the Port of Baltimore early Tuesday morning. The port is a main access point for automobile and farm equipment imports.