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Leaders in Congress said they would pass legislation that would prevent a rail strike in the U.S. on the grounds that a work stoppage would disrupt shipping and hurt the economy, the New York Times reports. President Joe Biden has called on Congress to act after four out of the 12 railway unions voted against an agreement negotiated with their employers and the administration.

At the heart of the issue is paid leave for railway workers. While the negotiated agreement voted on included wage increases, it did not include provisions for paid sick or family leave. The legislation Congress will consider will, if passed, enact that agreement for all 12 unions. Under the Railway Labor Act, union employee who then refuse to work would be considered conducting an illegal “wildcat” strike, allowing their employers to replace them.

Utah-based real estate investment firm Dynamic City Capital acquired the 229-room Charter Hotel Seattle, Curio Collection by Hilton, reports HNN's Dana Miller. CoStar data shows the hotel sold for $107.78 million from seller Widewaters Hotels.

"We are excited to expand our presence in the Seattle Bellevue market. The Charter Hotel is a distinct, unique, and highly prized premium hotel in a prime market and a wonderful addition to our portfolio," said Joel Sybrowsky, DCC's managing partner, in the release. "The Charter Hotel is in a highly coveted location ideal for both business and leisure travelers. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategy of acquiring high-quality, premium hotels in the best markets in the country."

The supply-chain disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to challenge companies ordering necessary materials and equipment. Global procurement and supply-chain service program Hilton Supply Management has mitigated those disruptions by building a network of more than 2,000 suppliers, reports HNN’s Dana Miller.

Working with a more diverse group of companies has led to having a more sustainable supply chain, said Anu Saxena, president and global head of Hilton Supply Management.

"We found that commitment paid off during the pandemic and beyond because it expanded our reach and our ability to meet our customers' needs," she said.

Consumer prices in the Eurozone reached 10% in November, a year-over-year increase but a drop from the 10.6% increase in October, the Wall Street Journal reports. Economists still expect the European Central Bank to continue increasing interest rates, however. 

The last drop in the rate of inflation was in June 2021, but that was more of an interruption than a change in the trend.

“We don’t see the components or the direction that would lead me to believe that we have reached peak inflation and that it is going to decline in short order,” ECB President Christine Lagarde told European lawmakers Monday.

The U.S. Travel Association’s latest biannual travel forecast shows a downgrade in international inbound travel for the remainder of this year and for 2023, according to a news release. The association points to long wait times for first-time visa applicants with potential visitors from leading source markets having 400- to 800-day wait times to meet with U.S. consular officials.

In June, Tourism Economics estimated international visitation volume would reach 67% of 2019 levels by the end of the year and 82% in 2023. That has shifted down to 63% for 2022 and 75% for 2023.

“While economic concerns are natural, excessive visitor visa wait times are a man-made obstacle that the Biden administration seemingly refuses to address,” U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman said in the release. “Reducing visitor visa wait times in top inbound markets will drive visitation and help protect the American economy.”

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