ROANOKE, Va. – Supply chain issues along with commuter routes are just some areas that could see an impact from a nationwide freight railroad strike.
Norfolk Southern Corporation operates trains out of Roanoke on a daily basis. However, operations can soon be coming to a pause as two major rail unions continue disputing working conditions and scheduling with management.
Two labor unions representing engineers and conductors — the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and SMART Transportation Division — remain in disagreement in negotiations.
Ed Elkins, Chief Marketing Officer for Norfolk Southern released a statement in preparation for a strike to occur.
“We asked the two holdout unions for a commitment not to strike so we could continue normal operations, but they have declined. As a result, we must take steps to ensure we can shut down operations safely if a strike occurs and be positioned to restart quickly when operations resume.”
Ed Elkins, Chief Marketing Officer for Norfolk Southern
Without conductors and engineers on the job some trains will not run, nor will many commuter and Amtrak trains that run over freight rail lines.
On Wednesday, Amtrak announced the suspension of all long-distance train services.
Another big hit will be an already struggling supply chain. A strike will bring nearly 30% of the nation’s freight to a screeching halt.
Prices for gasoline, food, consumer goods, cars, and trucks could all be increased. This would end a string of three months of falling gas prices.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin discussed the major impacts it could have on the economy.
“I’m really concerned about a rail strike on Friday and I think that the white house needs to step in and make sure this doesn’t happen,” Youngkin said. “The nation cannot afford a rail strike right now. We’re seeing runaway inflation drive Virginians and Americans to make real sacrifices.”
Throughout Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, union leaders met with United State Labor Secretary, Marty Walsh.
If the unions and management don’t resolve their differences, the first national rail strike in 30 years could start early Friday.