Detroit Action Responds to Senate Vote to Block Rail Strike, Deny Paid Sick Leave

(DETROIT) — Statement from Branden Snyder, Executive Director of Detroit Action

“Detroit Action is outraged by the Senate’s decision to reject paid sick leave for U.S. rail workers. Instead of providing workers a basic right and a necessity for a safe workplace, the Senate has willfully ignored the many calls made in support of an agreement wildly supported by rail workers, and the majority of Americans. As a community-based organization made up of Black and Brown workers, we stand with organized labor and those essential workers across our country. No worker should ever be forced to work under conditions they voted against.

Despite President Biden’s thoughtless attempt to avert a strike, the House’s decision to fight for the working class is commendable. We applaud Representative Rashida Tlaib and the majority of the House for standing with railroad workers and their families as they organize for better working conditions.

Once again, it is extremely disappointing to see “pro-labor” elected officials, including POTUS, sign off on the exploitation of more than 115,000 railway workers. Detroit Action will continue to support the thousands of rail workers in Michigan, and all working people in the face of union busting and workers’ rights violations.”

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