Toy Association Joins 400+ Groups Requesting U.S. Government to Block Rail Strike

November 28, 2022 | With Congressional leaders back after Thanksgiving recess, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today delivered a letter to Congress — signed by The Toy Association and 427 other trade organizations and groups — urging the federal government to prevent a national rail strike. President Biden also delivered remarks late Monday in support of legislation that would block a shutdown, asking Congress to quickly intervene in the situation.

“During the ratification votes, the Secretaries of Labor, Agriculture, and Transportation have been in regular touch with labor leaders and management,” President Biden said in his statement. “They believe that there is no path to resolve the dispute at the bargaining table and have recommended that we seek Congressional action.”

Four of the 12 railroad unions rejected a tentative collective bargaining agreement reached in September. Congress would need to act fast as the cooling off period, a timeframe in which both sides return to the bargaining table and assure no strikes or lockouts, ends December 9. Under the Railroad Labor Act, Congress could get involved to pass legislation that would prevent or end a strike by extending the cooling off period or instituting terms supported by a majority of the unions.

The Association also previously signed onto a National Retail Federation-led coalition letter to President Biden and the White House, also requesting the federal government to get involved in blocking a nationwide rail strike.

The Toy Association’s Global Government & Regulatory Affairs team is engaged on the issue and is continually assessing potential member impacts from the situation.