Retailers Back WH Rail Decree, Urge Congress to Step in

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) President Brian Dodge issued the following statement as rail carriers and rail labor unions remain in contract negotiations, just days away from a deadline to avoid a strike.

“The first priority must be to resolve the dispute between labor and rail operators before the Thursday deadline, and the sooner the better. The negative impact of uncertainty is already being felt, and even a short strike or disruption would be disastrous. Jobs will be lost, and costs will go up as shortage of raw materials and consumer goods ripples throughout the economy —it will be a double whammy.  And based on today’s inflation report, it should be self-evident that this couldn’t come at a worse time.
 
“Policymakers need to use every tool at their disposal to avoid a self-inflicted economic disaster. If pressure on both parties fails to bring a resolution, Congress and the White House must intervene to ensure uninterrupted rail operations which are essential to the American supply chain.”
 

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
 

Tags

• Supply Chain
• Public Policy
• Workforce
• Transportation and Infrastructure