On September 15th a contract was agreed to between rail operators and a number of unions, averting an immediate strike.  The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division (BMWED) Union has however rejected a five-year contract that included a 24 percent pay raise and a $5,000 bonus.  Acceptance of the offer was supported by the White House.  Union leaders advised rejection based on a failure by rail operators to address issues including working conditions and paid time off.

Tony D. Cardwell, BMWED Union president stated, “I trust that railroad management understands that railroaders are discouraged and upset with working conditions and compensation and hold their employer in low regard.

The threat of a strike intensifies problems related to transport of commodities given the low water level in the Mississippi River and tributaries that are major barge routes. It is imperative that operators come to terms with the hold-out BMWED Union to alleviate what might be regarded as a catastrophic situation that will impact domestic livestock production and exports.