Senators passed a bill, Thursday, by a 80-15 vote that will force unions to accept a tentative agreement that makes a strike illegal, reports NPR. They also agreed to deny paid sick days the rail workers demanded.
The possibility of the strike came after various rail unions rejected a five-year contract brokered by the Biden administration and two prominent unions.
President Biden applauded the move and indicated that it will be signed when it reaches his desk.
"Working together, we have spared this country a Christmas catastrophe in our grocery stores, in our workplaces, and in our communities," he said in a statement.
But the move has opposition; for example, Senator Bernie Sanders rejected the bill after the motion to offer paid sick leave was denied.
"We have to continue the fight and I intend to do everything that I can to ensure that the day will come sooner or later that not only rail workers in America have guaranteed sick days but all American workers," Sanders said.
Managers of railways and related stakeholders celebrate the rule, feeling confident that supply chain disruptions to necessary resources will be avoided.
"We are extremely relieved that Congress took action to head off a strike that would have had serious consequences for America's farmers,” said Tom Haag, National Corn Growers Association president.
During a press conference on Thursday, Biden defended the deal indicating that a strike would send the country into a recession. Full Story
Related: Biden Asks Congress to Avert Rail Strike; Rail Unions May Strike