VSEA Board Issues Statement On Congress’ Imposing Contract On Railroad Workers

At its meeting today, the VSEA Board of Trustees drafted and adopted a statement of support for America’s railroad workers, who were preparing to strike if not granted paid sick leave,

Here’s the statement:

The Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Employees’ Association (VSEA) is appalled by the decision of the U.S. Senate to impose a contract on thousands of railroad workers who wanted nothing more than paid sick leave. Most VSEA Board members remember when state employees had a contract imposed on us. We know the anger and disgust these workers are feeling today, and we stand strongly in solidarity with our railroad brothers and sisters nationwide.

The Senate’s vote to impose a contract and deny the railroad workers’ right to strike was a win for the boss, plain and simple. The railroad companies have been enjoying exceptional profits yet are unwilling to share that success with the workers who actually keep the trains on track. In a day and age when more and more young Americans are gravitating to the labor movement, this terrible move by Congress smacks in the face of the Democratic Party’s alleged support for the American worker.