White House Brokered Rail Deal Now Iffy

As of Friday, two more unions ratified a national collective bargaining agreement with the nation’s railroads, with the SMART Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department and the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers voting in favor of the deal. It now includes a wage increase, health care premium adjustments and work rule updates. But according to the National Carriers’ Conference Committee, representing the nation’s railroads, five unions have still not ratified the deal. Any work stoppage however, wouldn’t happen until after next month’s midterm election.