The two largest freight rail unions split their votes on agreeing to a contract yesterday, a mixed signal in a monthslong, high-stakes negotiation that could lead to a shutdown of the nation’s freight rail network starting next month, Politico reported. Members of the union representing conductors and other workers voted to reject their proposed contract, adding additional fuel for a potential freight rail strike that could begin as soon as Dec. 5, the end of a “cooling off” period to allow for more negotiations. The “no” vote adds to pressure on Congress to step in and avert a work stoppage that could impede coal shipments, shut down most passenger rail, imperil drinking water and cost the economy billions per day. Members of the SMART Transportation Division “with their votes have spoken, it’s now back to the bargaining table for our operating craft members,” union president Jeremy Ferguson said in a statement. “This can all be settled through negotiations and without a strike. A settlement would be in the best interests of the workers, the railroads, shippers and the American people.” Separately, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen members voted to accept a tentative agreement reached on Sept. 15.
