Railroad workers are fed up but hoping to avoid a strike

Between the lines: Workers say they're fed up, especially after working through the pandemic when they were deemed essential. They want paid sick leave and the ability to take some time off between often long and grueling shifts.

The other side: The carriers say workers had their chance to negotiate, but that time has passed — they want them to accept the deal reached in September.

What to watch: The new deadline is Dec. 9 — if these guys can't work it out before then, you might see a strike — or, more likely, Congress will intervene.

• Even the whiff of a potential strike could shut down certain shipments and trains. Last September, Amtrak canceled long-distance routes at such a moment.

Go deeper: Railroad strike looms over holidays after major union rejects deal