WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says a tentative railway labor agreement has been reached, averting a strike that could have been devastating to the economy before the midterm elections. Biden said Thursday the tentative deal will keep the “critical rail system” working and avoid economic disruption. The president says it’s “an important win” for the economy, the American people and tens of thousands of rail workers. The Democratic president says the rail workers will get better pay, improved working conditions and “peace of mind around their health care costs.” Biden calls the agreement “a victory for railway companies.” A strike starting Friday could’ve shut rail lines across the country. The tentative agreement will go to union members for a vote.