With a sixth union ratifying its deal Thursday, the lack of some benefits most American workers readily count on like paid sick leave and regularly scheduled weekends is driving other railroad workers to veto their contracts despite hefty raises and $5,000 bonuses.
A crippling nationwide rail strike could still happen as some railroad workers are vetoing contracts that include 24% raises and $5,000 bonuses. The workers say they are focused on quality-of-life concerns, noting that the major railroads have eliminated nearly one-third of their workers over the past six years and left many of their remaining workers on-call 24 hours a day, every day.