UPDATE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Amtrak says it’s working to restore canceled trains now that a tentative railway union deal is in place that avoids a strike. At the White House, President Joe Biden praised both unions and the rail companies for averting a shutdown that could have badly hurt the economy and American families. A strike would’ve disrupted passenger traffic as well as freight rail lines because Amtrak and many commuter railroads operate on tracks owned by the freight railroads. Under the labor deal, rail workers will receive 24% raises and $5,000 in bonuses. Railroads agree to ease strict attendance policies to address some union concerns about working conditions. Biden said the deal will keep the “critical rail system” working.

Earlier

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a potentially devastating strike before the midterm elections. Biden said Thursday the tentative deal will keep the “critical rail system” working and avoid economic disruption. The president says it’s “an important win” for the economy, the American people and tens of thousands of rail workers. The Democratic president says the rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions and “peace of mind around their health care costs.” Biden calls the agreement “a victory for railway companies.” A strike starting Friday could’ve shut rail lines across the country. The tentative agreement will go to union members for a vote.