ILWU says Congress must uphold collective bargaining in railroad negotiations

The ILWU, which has issued several statements of support for the nation’s railroad workers throughout negotiations, issued a statement on November 29 blasting the movement in Congress to impose a contract that workers have rejected for lack of paid sick leave.

“Warren Buffet can afford to pay wages for railroad workers who get sick and need to stay home or see the doctor,” said ILWU International President Willie Adams. “If Congress imposes a contract siding with Warren Buffet against the will of our nation’s 115,000 railroad workers, this would be a watershed moment that undermines union rights in America akin to the replacement of air traffic control workers during the Reagan Administration.”

Warren Buffett’s company Berkshire Hathaway owns Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), one of the nation’s main railroads. “The ILWU continues to unequivocally stand in support and solidarity with the nation’s railroad workers and their 12 rail unions in their fight to get a fair agreement with the private rail companies that have reaped record profits from U.S. rail network during the pandemic,” said Adams.

“The ILWU continues to unequivocally stand in support and solidarity with the nation’s railroad workers and their unions in their fight for a fair agreement with the private rail companies that have reaped record profits during the pandemic,” said ILWU International Vice President (Mainland) Bobby Olvera, Jr. “The railroad barons’ profits have contributed to inflation, and they do not need any favors from Congress – especially at a high cost to workers and collective bargaining.