Senate moves to avert rail strike amid dire warnings

By KEVIN FREKING and JOSH FUNK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Senate has moving quickly to avert a rail strike that the Biden administration and business leaders say would greatly damage the economy.

The Senate passed a bill Thursday to bind rail companies and workers to a proposed settlement that was reached between the rail companies and union leaders in September.

That settlement had been rejected by some of the 12 unions involved, creating the possibility of a strike.

The Senate vote was 80-15. It came one day after the House voted to impose the agreement.

The measure now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk for his signature.