New York
CNN Business
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Labor Secretary Marty Walsh says he hopes negotiators between railroads and some rail unions can reach new labor deals and avert a possible strike. But he said without a deal he expects Congress will step in and impose contracts on the unhappy rank-and-file union members.
The statement is a blow to the unions’ leverage as they seek to win a contract that their membership will accept.
Two rail unions reached tentative labor deals with the railroads in September, ahead of a strike deadline, only to have their membership vote against ratifying them.
“My goal is to get those two unions back at the table with companies and get this thing done,” Walsh told CNN Friday. He said a negotiated agreement would be “the best thing we can do is avoid any type of rail strike or slowdown.”
Walsh…
