Rail workers picket in St. Louis for paid sick leave

ST. LOUIS — Rail workers are in downtown St. Louis to picket for what they describe as a fundamental right: paid sick leave. The demonstration is taking place outside the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis corporate headquarters.

Participants in the picket argue that paid sick leave has become an industry standard, especially in the wake of a narrowly avoided national strike across America’s major freight railroads. They emphasize the need for a sick leave policy that recognizes the physical demands of their jobs and prioritizes the health and dignity of workers, without subjecting them to penalties for taking necessary time off.

The call for paid sick leave comes at a critical time for the railroad industry, as workers demand better conditions and protections. The picket, which started early in the morning, was scheduled to continue until 9 a.m.