The threat of national rail strike eases, for now, as key union BMWED extends deal deadline

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, the third largest rail union in the country, is extending its status quo period (no strike, no lockout) during which it wants to continue negotiations with the freight rail carriers.

In a posting on itswebsite, the BMWED union explained that it has moved the end of its cooling off period from Nov. 19 to Dec. 4, the same date on which the Brotherhood of Signalmen Union (BRS) — the other rail union to reject the proposed deal with railroad management recommended by the Biden administration — status quo period ends. The Signalman’s union is having another meeting with the carriers Wednesday afternoon over their fight for paid sick time equivalent to that offered to federal contractors, which has been a primary sticking point in labor talks. Read more