No Agreement Reached in Rail Strike as Harvest Draws Nearer

The reality of a rail shutdown is drawing concern as harvest creeps closer. No resolution has been attained by rail carriers and the unions. The Agricultural Transportation Working Group, consisting of the National Grain and Feed Association and 30 other ag groups, sent a letter to lawmakers calling on Congress to intervene, if necessary. The request comes as harvest draws nearer and rail transportation is relied upon heavily for the success of a U.S. crop harvest.

A stoppage of the rail system would lead to shutdowns or slowdowns of rail-dependent facilities, resulting in devastating consequences to national and even global food security. Currently, only 5 of the 13 unions have reached tentative agreements with railroads on the terms presented in August.

Read more on a rail strike’s impact on harvest here.