As railroad strike looms, Amtrak suspends routes across America

Amtrak cancels routes amid looming strike.
Train on track


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best decisions in travel. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money .

It’s a freight time for US railways (sorry), as industry workers are threatening to strike as early as Friday. In preparation, Amtrak has already canceled all long distance routes across the country.  

This is “necessary to ensure trains can reach their terminals before freight railroad service interruption if a resolution in negotiations is not reached,” Amtrak told CBS News. Adding, “Amtrak will only operate trains this week that we can ensure will have enough time to reach their final destinations by 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16.”

According to Amtrak, passengers with canceled train reservations are entitled to either a full refund or the option to reschedule their trip. The company will waive any differences in fares for departures through October 31.

Rail unions, BLET, and SMART-TD, which represent 57,000 engineers and conductors continued butting heads with rail carriers on an agreement Wednesday, saying there are still lingering quality of life concerns for workers — many of whom are on call 24/7 every day of the week. This major concern, they say, is one that leaves them no choice but to strike in demand for higher pay and a more fair work-life balance. 

The US economy depends heavily on the railroad system and a strike could create a trainwreck of supply-chain delays, job shortages, and another potential rise in inflation to the already shaky economy.

The Biden Administration says that it’s preparing contingency plans to keep business moving if railroad workers strike late this week.

Navigate the News Better

Take a five-minute trip through the news that matters most to travelers with our daily newsletter.

Related Stories

Built with ❤️ by travelers, for travelers.

© 2024 Dollar Flight Club Inc. All Rights Reserved

Stay in the know with
The Navigator Newsletter

A five-minute trip through the news that matters most to travelers. Past Edition

A five-minute trip through the news that matters most to travelers. Past Edition

This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

The Daily Navigator Featured Card Popup 3
Best Offer: $1,600 in Free Travel

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Plus, you can access over $1,500 in credits on select purchases. 

Partner offer. Terms apply.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off Dollar Flight Club Premium

Your Premium Dollar Flight Club Membership will pay for itself the moment you join, because you get access to Partner Perks. You’ll get exclusive discounts on products and services from our favorite travel brands right in your deal dashboard.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is the cornerstone of the DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, daily news, hospitality, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every morning, over 2 Million travelers trust DFC to deliver the latest news and information so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!