Don't rule out a strike by Amtrak workers.(TRANSPORT)

Kiplinger Letter, The, November, 2007

Don't rule out a strike by Amtrak workers as early as Feb. 1. Nine of Amtrak's 14 unions have been unable to reach an agreement with the passenger railroad after almost eight years of negotiations. Unions want pay hikes to be retroactive to 2000, but Amtrak says no way.

Note that more than just Amtrak service would be disrupted.

Also in peril: Some freight and commuter rail lines that travel up and down Amtrak-owned tracks along the Eastern Seaboard.

But any strike would be short-lived, lasting less than a week or so because Congress would be quick to step in and impose a settlement.

Meanwhile, Amtrak will get more money in fiscal year 2008: $1.45 billion, up from $1.3 billion in fiscal 2007. Next year, Congress is likely to authorize...

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