Biden calls on Congress to avert potential rail strike

President Joe Biden on Monday asked Congress to block a railroad strike before a deadline next month in stalled contract talks.

“Let me be clear: A rail shutdown would devastate our economy,” Biden said in a statement. “Without freight rail, many U.S. industries would shut down.”

Biden is calling on the two sides to agree on a September offer. It would add three unpaid days off a year for engineers and conductors for medical appointments, among other measures.

Read more from The Associated Press.