The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) on Thursday said a tentative agreement between union leaders and rail workers is a positive development for farmers and the agricultural community.
“We are thankful that the White House has announced a tentative agreement between rail carriers and union leaders and applaud the efforts from all parties to avoid this crisis.” said Brooke S. Appleton, vice president of public policy at the National Corn Growers Association. “It is critical to farmers, who are approaching harvest season, that rail service remain fully functional and reliable.
The agreement, announced by the Biden administration on Thursday morning, appears to end a months-long stalemate between union leaders and the rail industry. The dispute prompted President Biden to establish a Presidential Emergency Board to broker agreement between the two sides.
As the Friday deadline for agreement approached, preparations were being made for major disruptions to the nation’s rail system. NCGA, in partnership with other agriculture industry organizations, actively encouraged industry officials and members of Congress to resolve the dispute to head of a strike and rail closures.
Union members will vote to finalize the proposed agreement by November.