Rail strike averted, O.C. Metrolink services not interrupted

A potential strike that would have affected Orange County commuters along with their counterparts throughout the Southland was averted early Thursday morning, according to President Joe Biden.

In a statement released Thursday, Biden said the agreement is “an important win for our economy and the American people. It is a win for tens of thousands of rail workers who worked tirelessly through the pandemic to ensure that America’s families and communities got deliveries of what have kept us going during these difficult years.”

As of Wednesday night, several unions representing tens of thousands of rail workers seeking more predictable schedules and work conditions were at an impasse with railroad companies. Metrolink announced that it would be forced to cancel some or all trains in Orange, Ventura and Riverside counties beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday if a deal hadn’t been reached by that time.

On Thursday, Metrolink posted a message to commuters that the work stoppage by freight railroad worker unions had been averted and all Metrolink service would operate on its regular schedule. Commuters were invited to call or text (800) 371-5465 if they have any questions.

According to an Associated Press report, the tentative deal will go to union members for a vote after a cooling-off period of several weeks.

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