Photo: Johner RF
(Des Moines, IA) -- U.S. rail workers could be going on strike after four unions reject a negotiated deal--and that could put even more strain on industries facing supply chain issues.
About 22% of electricity in the U.S. is generated by coal, and much of it is shipped by rails. Iowa has several coal-fired electric utilities and a lack of coal could be an issue in the winter months.
Iowa’s AG industry could also take a hit as 40% of grain shipped is exported by rail.
Rail unions have until December 9th to reach an agreement with employers or nearly 60,000 workers could go on strike. The strike could cost more than $2 billion a day.
President Biden is backing a Senate plan to avoid a strike.