USMEF Comments on Potential Impact of Railroad Worker Strike

With a possible railroad worker strike on the horizon, USMEF commented on the potential impact on movement of U.S. red meat exports. While the vast majority is transported by truck, some red meat exports are moved by rail and all shipments could face possible delays as container ports struggled to clear incoming cargo. The issue was discussed on Brownfield Ag News, and with Meat+Poultry and Meatingplace.

On Sept. 15, the Department of Labor announced that tentative contract agreements had been reached between the National Carriers’ Conference Committee, which represents freight railroads in national collective bargaining, and all 12 affected rail worker unions, averting a potential strike. The agreements still must be ratified by the membership of each union.