Despite the Biden administration's assistance with the railroad contract negotiations in September, four of the twelve unions have rejected the proposed collective bargaining agreement. As a result, the railroad companies and unions have resumed negotiations. If no agreement is made within the coming weeks, there is the potential for a freight railway strike in December. Various business groups, including the National Retail Federation, have called on Congress to block the strike in the wake of the busy holiday season for consumers and businesses alike. There are also fears that such a strike would further exacerbate current inflationary pressures.
See "Railroad unions return to the bargaining table with rail companies and potential strike action looms if no agreement can be made", Walter Loeb, Forbes, November 28, 2022