NRF Seeks White House Action to Avert Sept. Freight Rail Strike

The National Retail Federation and its members want the White House to appoint “respected, experienced and impartial arbitrators” to a presidential emergency board to avert a freight rail strike in September, NRF CEO Matthew Shay wrote President Joe Biden Wednesday. NRF and its members “are concerned about the potential for U.S. freight rail disruptions stemming from the National Mediation Board’s premature release of the parties from labor negotiations,” said Shay. “We urge the administration to encourage the parties to come back to the table where they can make their own fair and mutually beneficial agreement.” Peak import season “is upon us, tied to back-to-school and holiday shopping,” said Shay. Rail network disruptions in September “could have long-lasting negative effects on these important selling seasons,” he said. “Product delays and shortages are correlated with inflation -- an issue of great significance to Americans and the economy.”