A railroad work stoppage looms. Here’s where things stand.

Railroad companies began implementing embargoes on certain shipments Monday ahead of a possible work stoppage that threatens to devastate the U.S. economy. The railroads and 12 unions representing over 100,000 employees have been negotiating a new labor contract for over two years. After multiple attempts at mediation — including the formation of an emergency board appointed by President Joe Biden — a strike or lockout becomes possible on Friday when a final federally mandated “cool down” period ends. To date, the railroads have reached tentative agreements with eight of the 12 unions based on the recommendations of the presidential emergency board.