Tentative agreement comes nearly two months after BLET authorized strike
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), representing 35,000 rail employees, reached a tentative agreement with an industry association representing more than 30 railroad companies. The union, one of two railroad worker union that authorized a strike back in October, is under pressure from Congress, which has the power to enforce a contract between railroad companies and unions. BLET leaders voted to accept a contract with concessions on certain areas, although details have still not been released. The union announced today that members, who will soon vote to ratify the agreement, have been notified.
Legislation was introduced in both the Senate, by Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and in the House, by GOP House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.), that would have prevented a strike. The Senate legislation would have merely extended time for negotiations, while legislation in the House would have stopped any such strike from occurring.
http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/12369/under_pressure_from_congress_railroad_workers_union_accepts_concessions/
