the white house said a tentative agreement has been reached to avert a shutdown on railways the tentative agreement reached tonight is an important win for our economy and the american people said a statement attributed to president joe biden who said the critical rail system will keep working and avoid disruption of our economy these rail workers will get better pay improved working conditions and peace of mind around their health care costs all hardearned the agreement is also a victory for railway companies who will be able to retain and recruit more workers for an industry that will continue to be part of the backbone of the american economy for decades to come