The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) president and CEO Eric R. Byer issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to avert a rail strike, but failed to support workers’ call for paid sick leave:

“The economic consequences of this looming strike would have been felt by businesses and consumers across the country, particularly as we continue to face record-high inflation and unprecedented supply chain challenges. As one of the largest customers of freight rail in both volume and revenue, the chemical industry – including many NACD members – rely heavily on rail to ensure the timely shipment of products essential to the everyday lives of Americans.

“This week, members of Congress reached across the aisle and collaborated across chambers to avert a freight rail strike that would have devastated an already-limping U.S. economy and beleaguered supply chain. While NACD was disappointed that the Senate did not pass an amendment led by Sens. Sanders (I-VT) and Gillibrand (D-NY) to provide paid sick leave to rail workers, we are pleased that Congress worked in a bipartisan way to avert a strike.

“I raised the issue of sick time in an op-ed after hearing directly from NACD members about the challenges they have faced due to declining service in the rail industry brought on by reductions in the workforce. I continue to believe that freight rail service will continue to deteriorate until some wholesale changes take place in the industry, and NACD will continue to work with both parties in Congress as well as the executive branch and the rail industry to improve performance.”

For more information, visit: www.nacd.com.