Railroad Strike Averted Until At Least Nov. 19

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way – Employees Division, a key railroad workers union, says it will hold off on any type of strike after November 19, giving railroads more time to come up with their best offer without the pressure of an imminent walkout.

This period, known as a “cooling-off period,” means unions or railroads can’t engage in any work stoppages according to federal law. The union says it’s the last chance for railroads to do the right thing by voluntarily agreeing to provide paid sick leave to all employees.

“Congress should not intervene and rescue the railroads if they continue to refuse to provide workers with paid sick leave,” the union said in a statement.