Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement after a tentative agreement between railroad companies and railroad union leaders was announced:

“I applaud our railroad and rail union leaders for reaching a tentative agreement on a new contract that will avoid a work stoppage, and thank them and Secretary Walsh for staying at the table until a deal was reached.

The railroad industry is absolutely critical to Iowa, especially as farmers prepare for harvest. The men and women who work tirelessly every day to move our product throughout the nation deserve a fair contract that rewards their efforts and provides a higher quality of life. It’s disappointing that union leaders had to fight so hard for fundamental and reasonable demands such as unpaid time off so their members could visit the doctor or take care of loved ones without penalty.

While this agreement still needs to be ratified, I am optimistic this progress will keep our goods moving and give a raise and better working conditions for the men and women who work day in and day out to provide for their families and help Iowa farmers and businesses get their goods to market.”

Original source can be found here.