Nationwide freight union strike threatens to derail economy ahead of holiday season

Freight trains seen parked in Orlando, Florida.
(Image credit: Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The U.S. inched closer to a nationwide railway strike that could have drastic economic implications for the upcoming holiday season, as the nation's largest freight rail union on Monday rejected a tentative labor deal.

The SMART Transportation Division, or SMART-TD, which ABC News reported represents about 28,000 train conductors, announced it had voted to reject the proposed contract. The deal was shut down by a slim margin, with 50.8 percent of the workers voting against it.

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.