Whereas, the major freight rail carriers continue to refuse to bargain in good faith, leaving national negotiations with the unions at a standstill; and
Whereas, these same carriers – represented by the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) - have been making record profits for years, including all through the pandemic; and
Whereas, Precision Scheduled Railroading, firings and furloughs; increased discipline and harassment; massive job cuts, short-staffing, and chronic fatigue; together with unpaid claims and wholesale abrogation of the union contract has left railroad workers frustrated, angry, and ready to fightback; and
Whereas, Countless workers in an array of industries nationwide are fighting back, organizing, striking, and winning; and
Whereas, current conditions appear to be ripe for railroad workers to mount a successful national strike, including but not limited to:
-- A general labor shortage where the rail carriers are unable to recruit and retain employees in
the various crafts, including train and engine service.
-- Supply chains in crisis, as goods in transit are hampered at every turn.
-- Public opinion that has sided with striking workers throughout 2021.
-- The record profits generated by the carriers, together with their alienation of shippers, pas-
sengers and communities, which suggest that railroad strikers would enjoy vast public
support.
-- Rail unions of late that have been largely standing together.
-- The fact that the carriers have attacked ALL rail workers, solidifying workers from all crafts,
unions, and carriers.
-- The existence of a sitting President who claims to be “the most pro-labor President you have
ever had.”
Whereas, such favorable conditions for rail workers outlined above have not existed for decades - if ever - and will not continue indefinitely;
Therefore, Be it Resolved that RWU urges all railroad workers to consider the strike option, and to prepare for such a strike; and
Be it further Resolved that RWU urge the rail unions to educate their respective memberships on: the Railway Labor Act (RLA) under which our actions are governed; the history of rail strikes;
the benefits and risks of taking such action with webinars, printed materials, presentations at local union meetings, and other means of communication; and
Be it further Resolved that RWU urge the rail unions to poll their respective members for a strike vote so as to ascertain the willingness of the respective memberships to take such action; and
Be it Further Resolved that RWU urge the rail unions to undertake informational picketing, “practice” strikes, and other high-profile activities to mobilize the membership, put the carriers on notice that we mean business, to educate the public as to our cause; and mobilize our allies; and
Be it Finally Resolved, that the rail craft unions put aside their petty differences and take this opportunity to consummate a single bargaining coalition of all rail labor in order to achieve the greatest possible solidarity, unity, and power.
Adopted by the RWU Steering Committee 1/5/2022
