President Joe Biden and Cabinet officials on Monday were in touch with freight-rail companies and unions in an effort to avert a crippling strike by thousands of workers, according to a White House official.
The official, who requested anonymity to share the discussions, did not offer further details about the president’s message to the parties.
Biden’s personal involvement in the stalled labor talks signifies how seriously the White House is taking the possibility of a work stoppage, which could disrupt the U.S. economy and hurt Democrats’ chances of keeping their congressional majorities in the November midterm elections.
