Rep. Cleaver Votes to Avert Rail Shutdown, Provide Paid Sick Leave to Rail Workers

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) voted in favor of two resolutions that would avert a catastrophic rail shutdown and provide paid sick leave, a 24% pay raise, and other critical benefits to more than 100,000 freight railroad workers. The resolutions were passed by the House of Representatives with bipartisan support and will now go to the Senate to be taken up for a vote.

“For nearly two centuries, American rail workers helped forge the foundation that has allowed the United States to flourish and become the economic superpower we know today. It is because of these workers that our grocery store shelves remain full, businesses can ship their goods nationally, and American enterprise can continue to grow and thrive,” said Congressman Cleaver. “These individuals work day and night, through pandemics and personal sacrifice, to fulfill the duties expected of them—and in return they should expect the dignity of paid sick leave, fair wages, and proper benefits. Today, I was proud to join my Democratic colleagues to pass two resolutions that will avert a catastrophic rail shutdown while delivering a 24% pay raise, a $5,000 bonus, seven days of paid sick leave, and more to these essential workers.”

H.J.Res. 100 would adopt the Tentative Agreement that was reached in September between railroad companies and their labor unions, following months of tireless negotiating and efforts by President Biden, Secretary Walsh, and labor leaders. The agreement includes the 24 percent pay raise for rail workers, a $5,000 bonus over five years, and preserves critical health coverage and other safety requirements.

H.Con.Res. 119 would add an additional seven paid sick days to the Tentative Agreement, ensuring workers aren’t forced to choose between their health and their paycheck. According to a fact sheet prepared by the House Transportation Committee, the 7 Class I railroads could have paid for their workers to have 7 days of paid sick leave last year by spending just 6/10 of a penny for every dollar they reported in profit and shareholder returns in 2021.

“It is unfortunate that after three years of negotiations it has reached this point, but I believe these resolutions are a fair compromise that will keep our economic recovery on track and provide rail workers with common sense benefits that every worker deserves in the 21st century,” said Congressman Cleaver.

Official text of the resolutions is available here and here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus.