WASHINGTON—A coalition of 400-plus industry trade groups—including the Auto Care Association (ACA) and Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)—is calling on Congress to intervene in an ongoing labor dispute that threatens to shut down nationwide rail shipments as soon as Dec. 5.
Four unions representing various aspects of rail transport have rejected a tentative contract reached in September and approved by eight other unions, according to a letter drafted by the coalition.
The coalition estimates that $2 billion worth of daily shipments covering everything from auto parts to food, energy and other retail products would be impacted if a strike occurs.
The unions and railroads have until Dec. 9 to resolve differences before workers could strike or be locked out. However, railroads must safely reduce operations and secure their customers' goods days in advance of a potential strike, which would halt shipments of chemicals, fertilizers, chlorine and some other essential products at least four days sooner.