Biden Reaches Out to Unions, Railroads in Bid to Avert Strike

• Rail operators, unions face Friday deadline on new contract
• Biden involvement highlights political risks for White House

President Joe Biden and Cabinet officials on Monday were in touch with freight-rail companies and unions in an effort to avert a crippling strike by thousands of workers, according to a White House official. 

The official, who requested anonymity to share the discussions, did not offer further details about the president’s message to the parties.