WASHINGTON — Freight rail companies and unions representing tens of thousands of workers reached a tentative agreement to avoid what would have been an economically damaging strike, a relief for American businesses and consumers and a win for President Biden, whose administration helped broker the deal.The breakthrough was announced by Mr. Biden early Thursday morning after all-night talks hosted by his labor secretary, Martin J. Walsh.In remarks at the White House on Thursday, Mr. Biden hailed the agreement as positive for both workers and companies alike.“This agreement is a big win for America,” Mr. Biden said. “And this is a great deal for both sides, in my view.”The agreement now heads to union members for a ratification vote, which is a standard procedure in labor talks. While the vote is tallied, workers have agreed not to strike.The deal was praised by both freight companies and union leadership, reflecting a key compromise on issues of imp …
