World Perspectives

Backing Strikers

The Biden Administration is reportedly making contingency plans in case rail workers go on strike. Some point out that the President has the power to force workers and the railroads to keep working but announcing contingency planning indicates the intention to accede to the union’s wishes. The President pledged to be “the most pro-union president you’ve ever seen.” This position is risky since it is inflationary, and prices are still rising faster than desired. Food inflation is rising even faster and about 13 percent of rail capacity is used to move agrifood products. Unions striking and disrupting services at the same time most workers are experiencing declining real wages is politically risky. ...

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From WPI Consulting

Weighing in on strategic realignment

WPI’s team was retained by the governing board of a U.S. industry organization to review a decision, reached by vote, to invest significant assets into the development and management of an export trading company. WPI’s team conducted a formal review of this decision and concluded that the current level of market saturation would limit the benefits of the investment. Based on WPI’s analysis and recommended actions, the board subsequently reversed its decision and undertook a strategic planning effort to identify more impactful investments. On behalf of numerous clients, WPI has not only assisted in identifying strategic paths but also advised their implementation.

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