Federal agencies urge railroads to provide paid sick leave

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Julie Su recently sent a letter to the CEOs of three Class I freight railroads urging them to guarantee paid sick leave for all employees.

The letter was sent to CN, CPKC, and CSX.

The number of Class I freight railroad employees with access to paid sick days has increased since Jan. 1, 2023, from 5 percent to 90 percent.

The remaining 10 percent, approximately 10,000 workers, are employed by CN, CPKC, and CSX, and are no more immune to illness than anyone else, the letter said.

“Workers in this country deserve to know that they won’t have to choose between getting well and putting food on the table,” Su said. “The unions and companies have come a long way on this issue, but it’s time to finish the job and protect the people who keep our country moving forward.”

Buttigieg and Su urged CN, CPKC, and CSX to work immediately with labor unions to reduce the unnecessary safety risks associated with employees who do not have paid sick days.

Workers with paid sick leave are healthy and focus on the job, the letter said. They also can take time off for illness or to help a family member recover from illness without being penalized.

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