First Thing: US House moves to block rail strike, mandate paid sick leave

Lawmakers vote to impose contract deal on dozen unions despite majority of workers rejecting deal. Plus, China altering Covid line

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Good morning.

A looming US rail strike in protest against an absence of paid sick leave - a norm in every other leading democratic country - as well as concerns about pay, staff shortages and time off looks likely to be blocked legally by Congress.

The economic consequences of a strike. A rail stoppage that could begin as early as 9 December and could cost the US economy about $2bn a day by some estimates, with chaos hitting freight and passenger traffic.

No brakes on the gravy train. As railroad carriers implemented cuts and more grueling scheduling systems, they have reported record profits and paid out $196bn in stock buybacks and dividends to shareholders since 2010.

Omicron narrative flip. In recent days Chinese officials have begun to emphasise the lower severity of the Omicron strain of Covid-19. Meanwhile, authorities abruptly lifted Covid restrictions in the cities of Guangzhou and Chongqing, where protesters scuffled with police on Tuesday night.

People want to live'. Four people in various Chinese cities spoke to the Guardian on condition of anonymity to share their views on the protests.