An influential railroad workers’ union on Monday rejected a labor deal brokered by President Biden, raising the threat of a crippling strike before the holidays.
SMART Transportation Division, a 36,000-member union representing rail conductors, voted against the tentative agreement. The union could strike after Dec. 9 if no agreement is reached, and other freight-rail unions would likely honor the strike.
Another large freight union, BLET, voted Monday to ratify the agreement but said it will honor a picket line with other unions that voted against the deal. More negotiations with rail management are expected.
The president and major business groups warned that a rail strike would create economic chaos, further complicating supply-chain problems and shortages.