Amtrak suspends routes through Carbondale amid labor contract negotiations
CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Amtrak announced Tuesday they are suspending a few of the long-distance routes starting Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Officials say a possible railroad strike is what interrupted the long-distance route.
Amtrak canceled a number of its long-distance trains this week as a potential strike loomed amid ongoing freight rail – rail labor contract negotiations. Amtrak says it is now working to restore canceled trains after President Joe Biden announced a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached.
But the loss of these trains affects more than just travel. Supply chains are impacted as well.
“We have supply chain problems already. The ports are clogged. You throw in a strike and tens of thousands of containers can’t get to where they want to go. That affects stores in our everyday lives,” said DePaul University’s Joe Schweiterman.
The railroad strike will negatively affect consumer products including cars, food supply, and more.
“Transportation is a big part of the cost of… to the consumer and I don’t believe there’s one person in the country that it won’t affect,” said Missouri farmer Tom Waters.
Consumer products are not the only negative outcome, but people who travel will also be affected.
“I don’t know if it necessarily helps customers because you know I’m pretty sure these people need to get to where they’re trying to go and that probably puts a wrench in their plans,” said Amtrak passenger William Kargbo.
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Amtrak suspends services in Carbondale, other cities due to labor contract negotiations
