In a recent breakthrough in the ongoing railroad contract negotiations, railroad unions and companies finally came to an agreement after considerable compromises on both sides and intervention from the Biden administration. This deal prevents a major rail workers' strike from occurring on Friday that would have negatively affected US businesses and consumers, as union workers have agreed not to strike while the ratification votes are counted. If ratified, the new contract will grant workers a 24% wage increase and the benefit to take unpaid time off for medical appointments without penalty. The agreement has received broad support from various interest groups, including the rail companies, railroad unions, retailers and businesses, as well as Congressional leaders.
See "Railroad workers' strike prevented as tentative contract agreement reached between rail companies and unions", Jim Tankersley, The New York Times, September 15, 2022