Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the possibility of a nationwide railway strike after SMART-TD, one of the largest railroad labor unions, voted down a tentative agreement with rail management this week.
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, another large railroad labor union, voted to ratify the deal. But like other railroad unions which have approved the deal, they have agreed to honor the picket line if SMART-TD decides to strike.
Buffenbarger speculated about what action Congress will take, including possibly legislating a settlement – an action more likely once the U.S. House is in Republican control in January. Republicans have indicated they will seek a concessionary agreement, which would put workers who haven’t ratified the CBA at risk, he explained.
Lastly, Buffenbarger talked about a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that was ratified by Weyerhaeuser employees represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District W24, ending a 46-day strike. Buffenbarger is the former president of IAMAW.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics: