On Thursday, President Biden contradicted White House officials, claiming that he had not been in direct contact with either side in the looming national rail-road strike.
Biden told reporters in Nantucket, Massachusetts, that talks between railroad workers’ unions and their employers were ongoing. The president also stated that he had engaged directly with any of the parties while the talks were ongoing.
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“My team has been in touch with all the parties, in rooms with the parties. I have not directly engaged yet because they’re still talking,” Biden said.
President Biden’s comments contradict White House press secretary Karine Jean-earlier Pierre’s statement that Biden was “directly involved” in the negotiations.
Jean-Pierre said, “The president is indeed involved directly. I don’t want to get into the details at this time, but he has been involved. He remains focused on protecting America’s families.”
The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART-TD) rejected a tentative agreement with the nation’s major freight railroads earlier this week.
The union’s decision has increased the likelihood of a nationwide railroad strike, which could have a significant impact on the US economy ahead of the holiday season.
Biden’s comments contradict White House press secretary Karine Jean-earlier Pierre’s statement that Biden was “directly involved” in the negotiations.
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Jean-Pierre said, “This is the third time I’m saying he’s been directly involved. You’re talking about one union president. There are 12. You’re talking about one.”
“He has been directly involved. I’m not going to get into more details on that, but you’re talking about one president out of 12,” she said when asked by reporters.
