Virtual U.S. Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall

U.S. freight rail workers are in the third year of fighting for a new national contract with freight railroads. Working on the front lines, freight rail workers have performed heroic work during the pandemic to keep the supply chain functioning so that food, fuel, and other essential goods could get where they needed to go. Yet working conditions have become more atrocious throughout the pandemic and workers have not received a raise since 2019. While workers are experiencing significant hardships, major freight railroads are earning historically record-breaking profits while failing to negotiate a new labor contract in good faith with the unions.

During the town hall, workers detail the personal impact of deteriorating working conditions, including fatigue from long work hours, stagnant wages despite increased workloads and a smaller workforce, and strict schedules with little to no time off.

After two and a half years of negotiations and mediation failed to yield a contract, President Biden appointed a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) on July 15th to investigate the contract dispute. The Board will issue its recommendations for a fair contract in mid-August and a nationwide work lockout or strike will be delayed until mid-September as the parties consider the recommendations.