Lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled House voted Wednesday to impose new union contracts on the nations rail workers in order to avoid a nationwide strike that could hurt the economy.

The measure now heads to the Senate where a vote is expected in the coming days.

The House also approved a resolution that would give rail workers seven paid sick days per year, but that separate measure seems unlikely to make it through the Senate and to President Joe Bidens desk.

U.S. rail carriers and a dozen unions have spent months negotiating new contracts, but have failed to reach a final deal. Four of twelve rail unions involved, including the largest, rejected a tentative agreement that labor leaders reached with the industry, creating the possibility of a strike or lockout on Dec. 9.

President Joe Biden has urged lawmakers to pass legislation forcing the deal on both sides, even though many workers say the proposal is insufficient and needs to include paid sick leave.

The second measure, adding seven days of paid sick leave to the rail contract, faces an uncertain future in the Senate, where Democrats hold a narrow 50-seat majority and must secure 60 votes to surpass a filibuster. Only a handful of Republicans have indicated they support adding paid sick leave.