It's not about wages. It's about decent working conditions. I remember the 70's when the railroad workers had a plethora of benefits... IMHO... too many. And, they were paid well. The unions broke the Rock Island Railroad.
Over the past few years, the union has been negated by corporate greed. The new union contract has ZERO sick leave or family leave. Employees are required to be on call 24/7. The union is recommending workers not sign it. Democratic leaders in Congress are recommending the workers not sign it.
To see an additional hiccup in the supply chain will cause further damage to our economy. What is the answer? If the POTUS orders the workers back to work, will the railroads ever treat them fairly? I doubt it.
In the past labor disputes with the railroads, there were enough who would cross picket lines to keep trains running. If the rail employees stick together, there are no folks out there to fill the positions to do so, today. Revenue will stop. High compensated executives will see their income endangered.
Honestly, I think this will end pretty quick. Rails may be minus trains for a short while, but the pressures from shippers and travelers will escalate. The GOP will use it as a midterm talking point, saying the Democrats are further damaging the economy. The Democrats will use it as a midterm talking point, saying the GOP is standing with the corporate executives who donate to campaign funds and don't care about the workers. Everything, today, seems to require a partisan political jab at the opposing Party.
