Statement by Congressman Brian Higgins on Railroad Agreement

Press Release

Today the House of Representatives passed legislation adopting the Tentative Agreement between railroad worker leadership and railroads from September plus providing railroad workers seven days of paid leave for the first time. The absence of new paid leave in the September agreement had prevented its ratification by four of the twelve unions included in the negotiations.

"Railroad workers, like all workers, deserve paid leave," said Congressman Higgins, "which is why we fought for a better deal."

The agreement includes a 24 percent pay raise, $5,000 bonus, it preserves existing copays, deductibles, and coinsurance costs, increases hearing healthcare benefits, adds a personal day, and protects the two-man crew.

A nationwide rail shutdown would be disastrous for workers, American families, and the economy. This action averts a national emergency while substantially adding to the benefits that hardworking rail workers deserve.

Higgins added, "The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that essential workers are too often taken for granted. That is why we fought for the inclusion of national paid leave in the legislation this Congress considered this term. I was disappointed that that was not ultimately included in that legislation that became law, but provisions on paid leave we passed today for railroad workers are a meaningful step toward pushing for future progress."

Source