Biden, businesses ask Congress to stop railroad strike

(CNN, KYMA/KECY) - President Biden is calling on congress to pass legislation immediately to avert a nationwide rail strike.

The president wants congress to approve a tentative deal worked out in september that management and union leaders agreed to at the time.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Monday she will introduce a bill this week to adopt the tentative agreement.

And it appears the senate has enough votes to go along.

Four out of the 12 unions that represent freight rail workers have voted down the proposal.

They are demanding more paid sick time and do not want rail carriers to penalize workers for taking time off.

More than 400 business groups also are urging congress to act.

A national strike could happen as early as December 9th.

Business leaders say a rail stoppage would cause chaos to the economy by disrupting the supply chain and triggering higher prices.