THE two big us rail unions representing conductors and drivers are split in ratification votes, and now threaten strike or prompt a lockout, reports Reuters.
A rail shutdown could freeze almost 30 per cent of US freight by weight and cost the American economy as much as US$2 billion per day.
The US Chamber of Commerce said Congress should intervene, warning it would be catastrophic for the economy. General Motors has said a halt would force it to stop production of some trucks within about a day.
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) voted to accept the deal while members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) voted to reject it.
The vote could put pressure on Congress to intervene to prevent a strike or lockout ahead of the holiday season.
'The ball is now in the railroads
A rail shutdown could freeze almost 30 per cent of US freight by weight and cost the American economy as much as US$2 billion per day.
The US Chamber of Commerce said Congress should intervene, warning it would be catastrophic for the economy. General Motors has said a halt would force it to stop production of some trucks within about a day.
Members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) voted to accept the deal while members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) voted to reject it.
The vote could put pressure on Congress to intervene to prevent a strike or lockout ahead of the holiday season.
'The ball is now in the railroads
