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Old 12-02-2022, 07:28 AM   #7983
Lanny_McDonald
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rubecube View Post
Despicable stuff from both parties. Props to the 15 senators who voted against the deal.
You wonder why people paint you as some fringe leftist nutbar? Dying on a hill for a couple of sick days? That's insane.

80 senators, 80, voted for this, meaning that it was broadly a bi-partisan vote. In the United States that is big news. That means the political divide disappeared on something. Since this was a very important issue, that is a good thing.

Like it or not, railway services are critical infrastructure in this country. It is identified by the feds as such and has been for a very long time. Taking this interventionist approach in this negotiation is not unheard of and not unexpected. Critical infrastructure cannot be disrupted which is why congress has taken action.

Frankly, the best take on this so far has been nfotiu as he has scratched past the surface to understand the larger issue here. Rail workers are well compensated and have very good benefit packages compared to many industries. That is not to say that they should not continue to negotiate in good faith, but I think that is where the problems lay. Good faith appears to be out the window.

A forced arbitration of sorts seems in the cards here. The solution to me seems to be maintain the current levels but appoint an oversight body, an ombudsman, to oversee the PTO program to determine if abuses are indeed taking place, by either party. If abuses are found, re-open the contract and implement the accommodation proposed by the affected group. Gives neither side what they ultimately want but is a path to long-term resolution.
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