ACD Press Release

Arlington, VA – Today, National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) President and CEO Eric R. Byer released the following statement applauding Norfolk Southern (NS), CSX, and Union Pacific (UP) for reaching paid sick leave deals with some of their unions and urging all Class I railroad companies to do the same:

“Chemical distributors, many of which are small businesses, rely on a strong freight rail system to ensure the timely shipment of products essential to the everyday lives of Americans. Following months of negotiations between freight rail companies and unions last year, a rail strike was narrowly averted as a result of Congressional intervention. At the center of these negotiations was quality-of-life benefits for rail workers across the nation.

“It’s clear that our rail system is only as strong as its workforce. That’s why it’s critical we continue addressing the issue of paid sick leave. NACD applauds Norfolk Southern, CSX, and Union Pacific for taking essential steps in the right direction by providing commonsense quality-of-life benefits for its rail workers. However, more must be done to offer these benefits to all their unions. Additionally, NACD calls on these freight rail companies and all Class I railroads to offer full, seven-day paid sick leave for their entire workforce. This, in turn, will strengthen and secure our supply chain in the years to come.”

###

NACD and its over 400 member and Affiliate companies are vital to the chemical supply chain providing products to over 750,000 end users. NACD members are leaders in health, safety, security, and environmental performance through implementation of Responsible Distribution, established in 1991 as a condition of membership and a third party-verified management practice. For more information on NACD, visit www.acd-chem.com.