Bid to Avert Rail Strike in Senate Fails as Sanders Blocks Vote

Senate Republicans failed in a bid to force labor unions and railroads to resolve a fight over contract negotiations, ahead of a strike that threatens to paralyze much of the US rail system.

Republican Richard Burr sought unanimous consent for a resolution that would force the two sides to accept the recommendations of a presidential emergency board established by President Joe Biden. That would require agreement from all senators, and Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, objected, arguing freight rail workers need better sick leave.

“In less than 48 hours, at 12:01 Friday morning, the likelihood is without action ...