Biden Signs Bill , Avoiding Potentially Devastating , Union Rail Strike.br On December 2, President Joe Biden signed legislation that would impose a disputed contract on labor unions to avoid a nationwide rail strike.br On December 2, President Joe Biden signed legislation that would impose a disputed contract on labor unions to avoid a nationwide rail strike.br 'Forbes' reports that the signing ends months br of heated debate over a walkout that br would shake the already ailing economy. .br The strike was estimated to cost br the U.S. approximately $2 billion br for every day it persisted. .br According to Biden, br had the strike been br allowed to take place, , "many of the U.S. industries br would literally shut down.".br The president also warned that br the strike could have led to 765,000 br U.S. workers losing their jobs.br Back in September, four out of 12 rail unions voted br to oppose the contract negotiations, claiming the br package failed to address a lack of paid sick leave. .br Back in September, four out of 12 rail unions voted br to oppose the contract negotiations, claiming the br package failed to address a lack of paid sick leave. .br On November 30, the House of Representatives br approved forcing the contract on rail unions, br while also adding a bill to offer paid sick leave. .br While the Senate voted overwhelmingly to br approve imposing the contract on rail unions, br lawmakers rejected the addition of sick leave. .br While the Senate voted overwhelmingly to br approve imposing the contract on rail unions, br lawmakers rejected the addition of sick leave. .br 'Forbes' reports that the disputed agreement br includes a 24 raise for union workers through br 2024 and one additional paid personal day.br According to Biden, the controversial bill will , "help our nation avoid what, without a doubt,br would have been an economic catastrophe br at a very bad time in the calendar.".br According to Biden, the controversial bill will , "help our nation avoid what, without a doubt,br would have been an economic catastrophe br at a very bad time in the calendar.