Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the oppressive attendance policies of the railroads may prevent all 12 railroad unions from ratifying a proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which could result in a nationwide railway strike.
So far, six unions have ratified the CBA, while members of two other unions voted the agreement down. However, one of the two unions reached a new tentative deal and their members will soon vote on it. Buffenbarger believes the oppressive attendance policy of the railroads is the heart of the problem. Currently, railroad employees are not allowed to take sick days off without a penalty. This makes it impossible for them to take care of their health or their family's well-being, he added.
Buffenbarger, the former President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), also talked about a successful four-day strike at Amphenol Aerospace in Sidney, N.Y. by approximately 700 members of IAM Local 1529 (District 15). On Oct. 19, union members ratified a new CBA that increased wages, eliminated a two-tier wage system and improved paid leave.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.