Biden signs bill to block U.S. railroad strike

WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (Reuters) - President Joe Biden signed legislation Friday to block a national U.S.

Senate voted 80 to 15 on Thursday to impose a tentative contract deal reached in September on a dozen unions representing 115,000 workers, who could have gone on strike on Dec.

But the Senate failed to approve a measure that would have provided paid sick days to railroad workers9

But some labor leaders have criticized Biden, a self-described friend of labor, for asking Congress to impose a contract that workers in four unions have rejected over its lack of paid sick leave.

"That fight isn't over," Biden said of the push for sick leave.

Rail workers get zero paid sick days.

Paid sick leave is a basic human right.

Without the legislation, rail workers could have gone out next week, but the impacts would be felt as soon as this weekend as railroads stopped accepting hazardous materials shipments and commuter railroads began canceling passenger service.