As the U.S. House of Representatives moves to vote on passing legislation to address the ongoing rail labor strike, RSI President Patty Long sent a letter to all House and Senate Members urging immediate action to avoid a rail shutdown.
“Despite more than a week until the cooling off period ends on December 9, Congress must step in now to help,” said Long. “RSI agrees with recent statements by the Administration and other Congressional leaders that passing immediate legislation to adopt the Tentative Agreement between railroad workers and operators is necessary to avoid what would decidedly be a catastrophic rail shutdown.”
A rail work stoppage would cost an estimated $2 billion per day and could begin as early as 12:01 AM ET on December 9.
“Congress must act swiftly and decisively in order to pass these agreements, created in large part due to the Administration’s help and as ratified by eight of twelve unions,” added Long. “We support Speaker Pelosi’s call for a vote in the House this week and urge the Senate to follow suit.”
About the Railway Supply Institute (RSI)
The Railway Supply Institute (RSI) is a trade association representing more than 160 companies involved in the manufacture of products and services in the freight car, tank car, locomotive, maintenance-of-way, communications and signaling, and passenger rail industries. RSI connects members to their customers and partners, supports the improvement of the industry, assists members in the global marketplace, and represents the industry during the regulatory and legislative process. For more information visit www.rsiweb.org, follow RSI on Twitter and join the RSI LinkedIn group.