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How a railroad strike could send food prices soaring

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Ptarmigan:
How a railroad strike could send food prices soaring
https://wgntv.com/news/nexstar-media-wire/how-a-railroad-strike-could-send-food-prices-soaring/


--- Quote ---(The Hill) – The nation’s supply of food could take a hit if railroad workers go on strike, driving up prices at the grocery store and limiting U.S. grain exports to countries facing famine. 

As soon as next week, 115,000 freight rail workers could walk out if they cannot reach a new contract with railroads, potentially shutting down the national rail network that transports 20 percent of all grain shipments.

While unions say they want to avert a strike, and Congress has the power to block it, the U.S. food sector is rattled by the prospect of a national railroad shutdown in the middle of peak harvest season.
--- End quote ---

A railroad strike is possible. If they go, it is likely to cause food prices to rise even further and lead to more supply chain problems.


--- Quote ---U.S. rail workers could legally strike as soon as Sept. 16 after the White House-appointed Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) released recommendations last month meant to bring railroads and unions closer to a deal.

Five unions have reached tentative agreements with railroads on a new contract based on the PEB recommendations, which call for 24 percent raises over five years and back pay but don’t address workers’ concerns about grueling hours and limited time off.

The bulk of rail workers belong to unions that haven’t struck a deal. And a recent online survey from grassroots group Railroad Workers United found that more than 9 in 10 railroad workers would vote to reject the PEB recommendations and go on strike. 

If workers vote for a strike, Congress would likely intervene to block it. They could then vote to fast-track a new contract. Railroads, retailers, growers and other industries are largely urging lawmakers to simply implement the terms laid out by the PEB. 
--- End quote ---

Even if strike is averted, food prices are going to continue rising.

Even If Freight Railways Avoid a Strike, Costs Will Rise
https://www.barrons.com/articles/stocks-poised-to-open-higher-on-monday-51662936602

Ptarmigan:
Bernie Sanders Blocks Proposal Which Would Avoid Rail Strike
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/rail-shutdown-looms-large-even-congress-steps


--- Quote ---Update (1750ET):

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) blocked a Republican effort to require railroad employees and companies to accept recommendations of a nonpartisan panel in order to avoid a strike which, if it goes through, will impact millions of Americans.

The GOP resolution - introduced by Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pension Commission Ranking Member Richard Burr (R-NC) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MI), would have required railroad workers to adopt the outlines of a labor deal, The Hill reports.

According to the Vermont Senator, railroad companies are making 'huge profits' and should treat employees more fairly.

"The rail industry has seen huge profits in recent years and last year alone made a record breaking $20 billion in profit," he said. "Last year the CEO of CSX made over $20 million in total compensation while the CEOs of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern made over $40 million each in total compensation."

Sanders contrasted that to freight rail workers who are "entitled to a grand total of zero sick days."
--- End quote ---

Senator Bernie Sanders blocked a deal that could avoid a rail strike soon.

Ptarmigan:
BREAKING: Amtrak cancels passenger service ahead of railroad strike
https://thepostmillennial.com/breaking-amtrak-cancels-passenger-service-ahead-of-railroad-strike


--- Quote ---US passenger railroad Amtrak on Monday canceled trips on three long-distance routes due to potential worker strikes that may begin as soon as Friday, reported Reuters.

Amtrak workers are not involved in a labor dispute, but the company's trains operate almost all of their 21,000 route miles outside the Northeast Corridor (NEC) on tracks owned, maintained, and dispatched by freight railroads, whose union workers are gearing up to strike. According to a Daily Mail report, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers announced on Wednesday that its 4,900 workers voted to reject a deal its leaders reached with freight railroad companies.

Amtrak announced it will begin suspending service for the Southwest Chief route from Chicago to Los Angeles, the Empire Builder route from Chicago to Seattle, the California Zephyr route from Chicago to San Francisco, and the Los Angeles to San Antonio portion of the Texas Eagle route starting Tuesday.
--- End quote ---

Amtrak has cancelled long distance routes due to looming railroad strike.

DefiantSix:

--- Quote from: Ptarmigan on September 14, 2022, 06:24:36 PM ---Amtrak has cancelled long distance routes due to looming railroad strike.

--- End quote ---

#JoeThePedophile and the other five regular riders disappointed...

Ralph Wiggum:

--- Quote from: DefiantSix on September 14, 2022, 07:07:00 PM ---#JoeThePedophile and the other five regular riders disappointed...

--- End quote ---

It is actually affecting regular commuter trains in major cities throughout the country (Chicago, NY, DC, Boston, Philly). Read that Chicago has already suspended service on their METRA lines.

Somehow the libtards will claim this is Putin's fault or the Ultra-MAGA folks.

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