Robert Primus, Chairman of the Surface Transportation Board, said rail labor is a major part of the economic success of America’s freight railroad system. He recognized and thanked railroad workers for keeping the nation’s supply chain moving during his presentation to BLET members at the union’s Eastern Regional Meeting in Washington D.C. on July 30.
“The Surface Transportation Board doesn’t have a lot of jurisdiction over unions, but I still see the importance and value of unions,” Primus said. “That’s because the railroad industry wouldn’t be where it is today without rail labor. Wall Street couldn’t do anything without rail labor. We have to make sure people understand the importance of unions and the value of the work done by the people in this room.”
Primus said one of his proudest moments working at STB came when rail labor was invited to the table to participate in STB hearings in 2022 to examine the negative impact of Precision Scheduled Railroading on shippers, labor, and the nation’s economy. Unfortunately, PSR hasn’t gone away in spite of those hearings. “I would like to say PSR is in the rear view mirror, but the Class Is have recently added people who are advocates of PSR,” he said. “A robust rail network that is trying to grow is not interested in operating ratio or Wall Street numbers. It is one that is investing in its people and its network so it can grow. At the STB, we intend to keep the pedal down and keep the focus on growth. We are not going to sit back and allow things to go backwards again.”