On Jan 8 a federal judge sided with the Union Pacific railroad to block a strike to protect rail employees’ health and safety. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the Teamsters moved toward the job action under the Railroad Safety Act, to demand adequate Covid-19 protections for the workers who build and maintain the tracks and right of way.

Both slates competing in the IBT election conducted petition efforts to accredit additional candidates by the December 15 deadline. OZ-Teamsters United successfully accredited a new candidate. The Vairma slate failed to muster enough support for two of their three new candidates.