The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates applaud the tentative agreement between the railroads and rail union representative that averted a potential Friday rail shutdown.
While the union members have to vote on the deal, they have agreed not to strike while the deal goes through ratification.
“COVID-19 forced rail laborers into a tough situation as essential workers, and we applaud their willingness to come to an agreement,” says NAWG CEO Chandler Goule.
“We also appreciate the railroads understanding the severity of the situation and taking steps to improve their services.” Wheat growers are uniquely reliant on rail due to the large distances between production and consumption.
“Our country’s reputation as the world’s most reliable wheat supplier depends heavily on functioning rail transportation and that won’t change in the future,” says USW President Vince Peterson. Railroads have moved more than one billion bushels of wheat during the last five years.