The head of the AFL-CIO lambasted the Senate for failing to include paid sick leave in the labor agreement for rail workers passed Thursday.
AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said she is relieved that workers got a pay increase but says “it’s deeply disappointing” paid sick leave was blocked.
SENATE PASSES BILL TO AVERT HOLIDAY RAIL STRIKE, SENDING LEGISLATION TO BIDEN’S DESK
“I commend and thank rail workers and their unions for tenaciously taking on some of the biggest corporations in America over the last three years to reach a contract. While rail workers won significant wage increases and other important gains today, it’s deeply disappointing that 43 senators sided with multibillion-dollar rail corporations to block desperately needed paid sick days,” Shuler said in a statement.
She also said that “the fight is far from over” when it comes to paid sick leave.
“Despite today’s action, the fight is far from over. The labor movement will continue to mobilize and push forcefully until every rail worker — and all America’s workers — has the paid sick leave they need and deserve,” Shuler said.
Sean O’Brien, general president of the Teamsters, also bashed lawmakers for not including the paid sick leave provision in the final bill.
The fact that there are not 60 senators willing to stand up to Big Business and fight for basic rights for U.S. rail workers is horrific.
— Sean O’Brien (@TeamsterSOB) December 1, 2022
The Senate passed the bill, which imposes a labor agreement on railway unions, averting a potentially disastrous strike by workers, 80-15, with one present vote by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).
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The agreement included a 24% pay increase for employees, bonuses, and safety provisions. An amendment to include seven days of paid sick leave failed to hit the 60-vote threshold despite getting support from six Republican Senators.
