WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement upon passage of legislation to ratify the rail labor agreement and legislation to add seven days of paid sick leave to the agreement.
“American workers are the engine that drives our economy, so I proudly supported legislation to provide paid sick leave to railroad workers as well as legislation to provide them with much-needed improvements to their take-home pay, health benefits, and working conditions. I look forward to swift action by the Senate on these measures designed to protect both workers and the American supply chain,” said Congressman Mfume.
Topline Highlights of H.J. Res. 100
Avoids Economic Turmoil
A rail strike would grind our economy to a halt and touch the lives of nearly every family:
As many as 765,000 workers, including many union members, would lose their jobs in just the first two weeks of a strike
Millions of families would not be able to get groceries, medications and other goods
Many communities wouldn’t be able to acquire chlorine to keep their water supply clean
Businesses would not be able to get their products to market
Perishable goods would spoil before reaching consumers
Secures Well-Earned Advancements for Railroad Workers
Includes a pay raise of 24% and a $5,000 bonus
Does not affect copays, deductibles or coinsurance costs
Provides some time off for routine, preventative, and emergency medical care
Safeguards the two-man crew
Topline Highlights of H. Con. Res. 119
Provides Railroad Workers with Much-Needed Paid Sick Leave
Ensures freight railroad workers receive 7 paid sick leave days
Allows sick leave to be used without penalty under rail carrier attendance policies
Allows parties to negotiate the implementation of these 7 paid sick days, and includes important protections to ensure an agreement is met
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