Washington, D.C. – On September 25, 2024, US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su wrote a letter to Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad (CPKC) CEO Keith Creel, in which they urged the corporation to provide paid sick leave to all its employees. Citing the mutual benefit of such a provision, the letter pointed out that “…a healthy and well-supported workforce is a safe workforce.” The Secretaries went on to point out that such a move was far from unique, since “…80% of all workers in the U.S. economy have access to paid sick leave.” While the letter clarified from the very beginning that its intent was to “urge” CPKC to act, it also carried an inference that the decision may not always remain with the railroad. By stating, “The best deal is one the parties reach on their own,” the Secretaries seemed to infer that CPKC may find a more favorable deal through voluntary action, rather than wait for terms dictated by the U.S. Government.
Read the full letter below: