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Approximately 112,000 employees of the largest US freight rail carriers are threatening to go on strike as early as next week, worsening supply chain issues present since the pandemic, and straining President Biden's promise to be pro-union. The union for the country's largest railroads has been trying to negotiate a contract without success for the last two years. Retailers and manufacturers, who have been increasingly relying on rail freight due to truck driver shortages amidst cargo ship backlogs, are hoping Biden will intercede in order to prevent a work stoppage. Both sides are currently in a 30 day cooling off period before they can engage in labor activity, and if Biden appoints an emergency board before the cooling off period ends this Monday, it will prevent unions from striking for 60 days until the board adjourns. Biden had promised to be the most union-friendly president in history, but is also under pressure to deal with inflation and supply chain problems. For retailers, the busiest shipping period of the year is ahead as they begin preparing for the holiday season.