A rumored rail strike, set to begin on Sept. 16, threatened to draw the beginning of the school year to a rapid halt. While some students fretted over class schedules and upcoming assignments, others had an additional concern: making it to campus.
The result of tensions between workers and railroad establishments, this strike had the capacity to disrupt public transportation throughout the state—and country. However, shortly after this story became national news, the narrative shifted. Officials announced that the labor unions and railroad companies had reached an agreement. There would be no strike.
Despite reports of this truce, not everyone is certain that the possibility of a railroad shutdown is in the past.
Students and faculty alike have weighed in on what a future railroad strike might entail.
Letting off steam
When asked if a rail strike could yet come into fruition, Dr. Mara Berkland, communication professor and commuter, said “I still think there’s a possibility.” Due to the number of COVID-19 infections, railroad companies have dismissed countless workers, a decision Berkland deemed both “frustrating” and “horrifying.” She blames the conflict on the dehumanization of railroad employees.
As for how a rail strike would affect the NCC community, Berkland said that she is most concerned about faculty members without access to cars. Explaining that two out of the eight members in her department live in the city, she said that a railroad strike would be difficult for them to navigate. Some NCC staff members’ only option is the train. Yet American organizations keep moving forward even when the trains do not.
“In Europe, if the workers go on strike, the whole country shuts down. This isn’t the case in the U.S.,” said Berkland.
Students derailed
SGA President Paulina Bogdan, ‘23, also expressed concern. Though she stated that she does not believe many students take the train to campus (though some do), a strike still has the potential to impact the lives of many.
“(This issue) mostly affects upperclassmen with internships. They are the ones who use the Metra railway,” said Bogdan.
She pointed out that many cardinals also enjoy going to the city for recreation. However, not all students have cars and those who do may not feel comfortable driving to Chicago.
Chugging along
For now, a rail strike does not appear to be on the immediate horizon. Nevertheless, as Berkland pointed out, so long as there is dissension, it is a possibility. According to her, the key to this issue lies within a single question: why do workers have to ask for basic economic dignity?
