The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is gathering names of supporters to share with the Illinois Congressional delegation, urging an agreement between the railroad unions and the railroad carriers in order to avert a catastrophic labor strike as we head into the holiday season and remaining days of harvest. Congressional action may be needed quickly to avoid a labor stoppage that will devastate the economy and impact the lives of Americans who will pay higher prices for common items like fuel, food, and pharmaceuticals while also facing shortages of essential products.
Manufacturers have faced supply chain disruptions over the last two years while supplying our nation with essential products and are leading the economic recovery. The industry cannot afford a freight rail disruption at a time when we are continuing to struggle with supply chain disruptions and record low water levels on the Mississippi River that are impeding some barge shipments.
In September, President Biden and his Administration helped negotiate an agreement between the railroads and twelve unions based upon recommendations from the Presidential Emergency Board. Eight of the twelve unions have ratified the deal but four unions have recently rejected this carefully negotiated agreement.
While we are hopeful for an agreement between both parties, we call upon you to use your legislative authority to prevent any further supply chain disruption and further economic damage at a time when our nation is facing the highest inflationary pressure in forty years.
Please join the IMA and sign onto this joint letter that will be provided to both of Illinois’ US Senators, our entire delegation in the US House of Representatives, and the President of the United States. The deadline for adding your company’s name onto the letter is 5PM on Tuesday, November 29, 2022.
Please complete the form below to add your company name to the letter. Please note that while we ask for contact information, only your company name and location will be be added to the letter.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.
