Major US freight railroads are bracing in preparation for a possible strike and service disruption with ongoing labor talks showing no breakthrough with one week before the deadline for further action.
BNSF, one of the largest freight networks with 32,500 miles of track in 28 states, said they were taking necessary steps to secure the shipments of hazardous and security-sensitive materials in the event of industrial action.
“While these preparations are necessary, it does not mean that a work stoppage is inevitable,” BNSF said in a statement.
Contract negotiations between railways and unions hit an impasse this summer after more than two years of talks. Failure to reach a settlement before a cooling-off period expires on September 16th raises the prospect of strikes, employer lockouts and congressional intervention.
Talks are “active and ongoing” a spokesperson for the Association of American Railroads said.
Last month, President Joe Biden appointed a presidential emergency board in order to help avoid disruptions to food and fuel supplies through the winter.
BNSF said both the railroads and unions continue to work to reach voluntary agreements based on the recommendations made by the board to avoid interruption to rail service.