Breaking: US averts major rail workers strike after Biden intervened

President Joe Biden says a major rail workers strike has been averted after the US Government reached agreement with the rail union on Thursday.

The Association of American Railroads trade group estimated that a strike would cost the economy more than $2 billion a day.

Biden, in a tweet gave indication that the issue on ground had been tentatively resolved, averting a major strike that could have significant impact on US’ economy.

“This is a win for the economy and for the American people.  Rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions, and peace of mind around their health care costs.

“I thank both the unions and rail companies for negotiating in good faith,” he tweeted.

U.S. Secretary of Labor, Marty Walsh said in series of tweets that following more than 20 consecutive hour of negotiation at the US Department of Labor, the rail companies and union negotiators came to a tentative agreement that balances the needs of workers, businesses and the nation’s economy.

Walsh tweeted: Moments ago, following more than 20 consecutive hours of negotiations at @USDOL, the rail companies and union negotiators came to a tentative agreement that balances the needs of workers, businesses, and our nation’s economy.

“The Biden Administration applauds all parties for reaching this hard-fought, mutually beneficial deal. Our rail system is integral to our supply chain, and a disruption would have had catastrophic impacts on industries, travelers and families across the country.”

US freight railroad workers had fixed September 29 to embark on nationwide strike over claims that grueling schedules and poor working conditions had been driving employees out of the industry over the past several years.