Will Progressives Fold or Fight on Rail Strike?

Punchbowl News: “Progressive lawmakers are furious that the deal the White House cut with railroad companies and labor unions has just one day of paid leave for workers. The House passed a separate provision to increase the number of paid leave days to seven, while also clearing the underlying agreement that Biden cut with the unions and railway companies.”

“It seems exceedingly unlikely that enough Senate Republicans will join Democrats to vote to increase the number of paid leave days, even though this episode has scrambled typical partisan alliances. For example, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has found himself in the same position as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in pushing for the seven days of leave for thousands of unionized railroad workers.”

“So now, just a week before a potentially devastating rail strike begins, progressive senators will have to decide whether to try to vote down the agreement because of what they consider a paltry amount of paid leave. Or will they ratify a deal they claim puts cash-rich railroad corporations ahead of workers?”

“As of now, not a single progressive we spoke to seems committed to the fight.”

This is becoming President Biden’s Sister Souljah moment.