With a possible national railroad strike, Biden said he was “not directly engaged” with either side in the situation yet. The comment was made after the White House claimed Biden was “directly involved” in negotiations.
Biden told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts that negotiations between unions representing railroad workers and their employers were ongoing. The president added since the talks were ongoing, he himself had engaged directly with any of the parties.
“My team has been in touch with all the parties, in rooms with the parties,” said Biden. “I have not directly engaged yet because they’re still talking.”
Biden’s remarks contradict those of White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who said earlier this week that Biden was “directly involved” in the negotiations.
“The president is indeed involved directly,” said Jean-Pierre. “I don’t want to get into the details at this time, but he has been involved. He remains focused on protecting America’s families.”
Officials are trying to find a compromise so a strike doesn’t happen. But so far all tries at agreements have been rejected.
Earlier this week, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) rejected a tentative agreement with the nation’s major freight railroads. The union’s decision has raised prospects of nationwide railroad strike that could seriously impact the economy ahead of the holiday season.
One union official has claimed that Biden has been absent from negotiations. Jean-Pierre disagrees. She claims that is only one union official’s opinion out of twelve.
“This is the third time I’m saying he’s been directly involved,” Jean-Pierre said. “You’re talking about one union president. There are 12. You’re talking about one.”
“He has been directly involved,” she said when pressed by reporters. “I’m not going to get into more details on that, but you’re talking about one president out of 12.”
Either way, let’s hope Biden or someone steps in and finds a solution before a nationwide railroad strike happens.
Source Fox News
