Amtrak is canceling trips on several of its routes in preparation for a unprecedented strike by 60,000 railroad workers

The dispute could lead to the first railroad strike in more than three decades - and will likely hamper the country's already entangled supply chain

Starting Tuesday, the passenger rail is suspending service on three routes out of Chicago, going to San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest, and Los Angeles

Amtrak is canceling trips on several of its routes in preparation for a unprecedented strike by 60,000 railroad workers - a dispute that could lead to the first railroad strike in decades and likely hamper the country's already entangled supply chain.

Starting Tuesday, the passenger rail agency is suspending service on three cross-country routes out of Chicago, going to San Francisco, the Pacific Northwest, and Los Angeles, respectively, Amtrak said in a statement Monday evening.

Service will also be disrupted for a route along a portion of one of those routes, the company said - between Los Angeles and San Antonio.

Calling the changes 'initial adjustments' made 'in preparation for a possible freight rail service interruption' later the week, the move from the passenger rail comes as many of America's railroads have already stopped accepting shipments of hazardous and other security-sensitive materials due to the looming threat of a strike Friday.

The cancellations are intended to avoid potential disruptions should tens of thousands of freight railroad workers walk out while the lengthy trips are underway.

The two railroad unions involved in the prospective strike currently in talks with railroad carriers are demanding more quality-of-life provisions be put into a contract for the coming year, covering attendance policies, vacation, and sick days.

A deadline by the unions has been set for Friday for the carriers to meet their demand - or they will strike.


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