WASHINGTON: In a major development, the US Congress on Thursday approved a bill that prevented a major freight rail strike by unions,
The legislation will help end the stalemate that could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy ahead of Christmas.
The senate promptly intervened to break a stalemate between railway workers and the management as the Christmas season approached.
US Congress Passes Bill
The upper house, Senate, also passed the crucial bill with 80-15 vote after it sailed through a bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The legislation effectively forces protesting union workers to accept a deal on higher wages. A majority of unions have already agreed to the deal.
After the 80-15 Senate vote, the legislation now heads to President Joe Biden for his signature.
Under a 1926 law, the US Congress has been empowered to resolve disputes between railway management and unions as part of its power to regulate commerce.
In a statement, President Biden said that by working together, they have spared the country a Christmas catastrophe in their grocery stores, workplaces, and communities.
The strike could have seen almost 7,000 freight trains across the country come to a halt, costing over $2 billion a day, the American Association of Railroads said. APP/AFP
