Biden: Tentative railway labor deal reached, averting strike

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a strike that could’ve been devastating to the economy before the midterm elections.

Biden said Thursday the tentative deal will keep the “critical rail system” working.

The president says it’s “an important win” for the economy, the American people, tens of thousands of rail workers and the railway companies.

The Democratic president says the rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions and “peace of mind around their health care costs.”

A strike starting Friday could’ve shut rail lines across the country.

The tentative agreement will go to union members for a vote.