OMAHA, Neb. – A key railroad union, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, agreed to delay a November 19 strike deadline. This allows contract talks go continue into early December. At issue is a multi-union strike that could idle major railroads. These include:
> Union Pacific, which has daily freights to Winona from LaCrosse.
> Burlington Northen Santa Fe, which runs 30-some trains a day on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi River.
> Kanas City Southern, which is in final stages of merging with Canadian Pacific, whose mainline runs through Winona.
A strike also would shut down two other Class 1 carriers: Norfolk Southern and CSX. Too, Amtrak’s long-distance passenger trains, including the Empire Builder to Winona, would discontinue service because they rely on freight lines for track privileges.
Earlier: Rail talks sputter; grain shippers worry
Earlier: Freight railroads, unions reach tentative accord
Contract issues
The railroads are offering the biggest raises in 40-plu years but balk at union demands for new paid sick time and quality of life issues. There are 12 rail unions that must approve separate contracts to prevent a strike.