How a potential US rail strike could affect the economy

Multiple rail unions, including the nation's largest, have failed to reach a labor deal with freight railroads, raising the risk of a strike

Consumers and nearly every industry in the US will be affected if freight trains grind to a halt next month.

One of the biggest rail unions rejected a deal on Monday, joining three others that have failed to approve contracts over concerns about demanding schedules and the lack of paid sick time.