The president of the country's largest railroad union said he would get a 24% pay raise despite a report prepared to settle stalled contract negotiations with a freight railroad. not sufficient to address concerns about working conditions.
Railroad companies signaled earlier this week that they were ready to hammer out a deal based on the recommendations of the Presidential Emergency Committee, which was appointed last month byJoe Biden . But the first comments Thursday from union leaders suggested the 115,000 workers they represent may not be ready to sign off.
Federal law Both parties have 30 days to negotiate a contract before allowing a strike or lockout to occur. However, if he reaches mid-September without both sides agreeing,Congressmay step in and impose conditions to avoid a strike.
Jeremy Ferguson said the advisory's recommendations were a "significant improvement" over the railroad's previous proposals. Sheet metal, aviation, railroad and transport workers - representatives of the transport sector trade union representing the conductor. However, "recommendations are not sufficient to provide the quality of life that members have gained and the quality of life that both members and their families deserve."
Others involved in contract negotiations His 11 unions have not yet commented on the details. Ferguson's comments reflect some of the concerns that individual railroad workers have posted online since the report was released on Tuesday. We want to loosen some of the regulations that limit attendance and make it difficult to take time off. The unions also say the ever-difficult railway jobs have gotten noticeably tougher in recent years after the major freight railways eliminated nearly a third of their jobs.
The railroad company claims it has overhauled its operations to run fewer and longer trains, so it doesn't need as many workers or locomotives as before.
Ferguson said the arbitration panel's recommendations help bridge the divide between railroad investors and management, who have benefited from recent record profits, and workers who continue to run trains 24/7. Said it didn't help much to solve. I struggled all through the pandemic.
The arbitrator said most union concerns about working conditions should be resolved not through contract negotiations, but through years of arbitration. This continues.
The National Board of Carriers, a negotiating group representing major railroad companies, said the proposed deal would deliver the largest wage increase in decades, with average railroads increasing by the end of May. He said he would push salaries to $110,000 a year. - Annual contract.
Five $1,000 bonuses for recommended deals, in addition to a raise of 17% greater than the railroad company was offering, but not as generous as the 31% raise sought by the union and one additional paid vacation. Year.
Another significant sticking point in the negotiations was the railway company's proposal to reduce the train crew from two of her to one of him. Labor unions are adamantly opposed to the move, not just to protect jobs, but because they are concerned about safety. However, the railway company said that a new automatic braking system that could stop trains in certain situations would eliminate the need for two people in taxis.
