By Railfan & Railroad Staff

WASHINGTON — An overwhelming majority of railroaders support the idea of going on strike next month, according to a new survey conducted by Railroad Workers United. 

The online poll found that 3,001 railroaders surveyed believed they should go on strike on or after September 16, when a 30-day cooling period ends between the unions and five Class Is currently trying to hash out a new national contract. Only 132 people polled thought they should not walk off the job. 

The survey also found that most railroaders were disappointed with the report issued by the Presidential Emergency Board earlier this month. That board, which was appointed by President Joe Biden in July, proposed wage increases for railroaders across the board but didn’t tackle some of the biggest issues dividing labor and management, specifically one-person crews and attendance policies. The railroads, on the other hand, have said the board’s report was a “useful basis” to continue talks.