Union threatens to strike over Union Pacific's virus protections

[Omaha Steve]

https://omaha.com/news/state-and-regional/union-threatens-to-strike-over-union-pacifics-virus-protections/article_46d22359-574a-54a4-90f5-402c379258bf.html

NORFOLK, Neb. (AP) — One of Union Pacific’s main unions is threatening to strike if the railroad doesn’t do more to protect its employees from the coronavirus.

The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division union said the Omaha-based railroad needs to offer its more than 30,000 employees full pay if they have to quarantine because of exposure to the virus, and it wants U.P. to bolster safety precautions in the workplace.

“The working conditions created by UP’s COVID-19 protocols have created a work site that is immediately hazardous to the life and health of our members,” Tony Caldwell, the union’s general chairman, said in a letter to U.P. management.

Union Pacific maintains that it is taking appropriate precautions to protect workers from the virus, and it has gone to court to block the union from striking because it says the dispute should be resolved through collective bargaining. The railroad argues that a strike would unfairly harm the companies that rely on the railroad for shipping.

FULL story at link above.



One of Union Pacific’s main unions is threatening to strike if the railroad doesn’t do more to protect its employees from the coronavirus.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

[pennylane100]

1. A strike would certainly get their attention.

Protecting employees should be mandatory in order to operate a business. They should be penalized if they are not providing safe working conditions for all their employees.

[Wellstone ruled]

2. Trump's EO as to whom is

essential Workers pretty much screws Unions when it comes to bargaining. Been following the Packinghouse Units as well as the Delivery Drivers. It appears the Local as well as State Courts are just blowing off those workers calls for relief.

Appears Trump's Order mandating one to show up for your job and die or you will be stripped of all Governmental Agency protections or compensation. Oh btw,you can not sue your employer.