"We're all part of the working people that make society run.... Without us, nothing could happen.''

[Donkees]

This railroad worker clearly & powerfully explains why workers need to have each other's backs, ahead of a potential strike:

"We're all part of the working people that make society run.... Without us, nothing could happen. When one of us in under attack, we're all under attack."

Link to tweet

[SleeplessinSoCal]

1. This is such an odd thing to find Biden at odds with tge railroad workers.

Last edited Thu Dec 1, 2022, 01:24 AM - Edit history (1)

He is nothing if not both a union and railroad enthusiast. How is this possible?

[TheRealNorth]

2. Because you could have supply shortages and more price increases....

Trains are critical infrastructure.

[mathematic]

3. The legislation is meant to enforce the agreement labor and mgmt negotiated in sept

BTW, that agreement was put up to a vote to the workers, like all labor contracts are, and a majority of the voters voted for it. So it's not like the agreement is anti-labor or opposed by the workers.

The agreement was rejected because not every union representing the workers ratified it and it required all the unions to agree (naturally).

Frankly, I'm confused at why the union negotiators accepted a contract that couldn't pass the worker vote in a few of the participating unions. Seems like a real disconnect between those unions and the rest of the unions.

[SleeplessinSoCal]

5. Thanks. I did not know that.

So long as it's settled by Friday I think we're good.

[NowISeetheLight]

4. Like cops and firemen

They’re critical workers. Cops can’t really strike either. Then again cops get sick days. I read a few articles about BNSF benefits (vacation and 11 paid holidays). But no PTO and vacations are seniority based and scheduled a year in advance. Their gooofy “point” system for calling in sick is oppressive. Their “sick pay” policy is basically a short term disability plan. I can understand why they’re unhappy.