For Immediate Release

October 11, 2022

Patriotic Millionaires Stand By Rail Workers as They Reject Contract Deal

“The rail industry has earned record profits in recent years, yet refuses to offer the employees who made that possible a fair deal.” 

Washington, DC –  Today, one of the largest unions representing rail workers, The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the Teamsters, announced their rejection of the contract offered to them by rail carriers and brokered by the Biden administration. The contract failed to pass in a 56-43% vote, as the contract offered only a single sick day and left in place an attendance policy that would penalize workers for missing work due to personal or health emergencies, with little room for flexibility.

In response, Morris Pearl, Chair of the Patriotic Millionaires and former managing director at BlackRock, Inc., released the following statement:

“The Patriotic Millionaires stand by rail workers who are fighting for better working conditions.  The ability to know in advance what days you have to be available to work and what days you can schedule other responsibilities — like doctor’s appointments for you or your children — is just taken for granted by people like us, and should be a right that all American workers can take for granted.

The rail industry has earned record profits in recent years, yet refuses to offer the employees who made that possible a fair deal. Although the new contract is an improvement, it would continue many of the industry’s deeply exploitative practices, like its points-based attendance system.

Rail workers deserve better, and we support them as they stand firm against their corporate employers and refuse to accept a contract that undervalues them. A strong workforce is the backbone of this country, and we encourage these workers to demand better conditions.” 

For additional information or interview requests, please contact Amanda Bowden at amanda@patrioticmillionaires.org.