Congress divided on how to stop rail strike as disruption looms

Lawmakers are divided on how to avert a national railroad strike that would devastate an economy already plagued by high inflation.

After years of contentious contract negotiations, nearly 125,000 railway workers are allowed to strike starting Friday, setting the stage for a work stoppage that would halt nearly one-third of the nation’s cargo shipments.

Railroads are already winding down service ahead of the deadline, blocking the flow of critical agricultural products and forcing commuter rail systems to suspend routes.

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh met with negotiators all day Wednesday in a last-minute push to reach a deal. A Labor Department spokesperson said that both parties “are negotiating in good faith and have committed to staying at the table today.”