May 13, 2024 | BNSF, CSX, News, Railroad Safety, UP
As publicly traded railroad corporations held their annual meetings this week, the BLET criticized railroad management for opposing safety reforms that would improve railroad operations for both workers and the communities that the railroads serve. “This week, CSX,...
May 9, 2024 | Headlines, NS, Railroad Safety
(Source: CNN, May 8, 2024) Just more than a year after a massive derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train led to the release of tank cars full of toxic chemicals and increased attention to the issue of railroad safety, the control of the railroad is up for grabs...
May 7, 2024 | 2-man Crews, Legislation, News, Railroad Safety
Pennsylvania’s 10th Congressional District has been rated as one of the most competitive in the nation during this election year, but the incumbent seeking reelection, U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), must not care about the votes of union railroaders. Perry, along with...
May 3, 2024 | BNSF, FRA, Headlines, Railroad Safety, Unions
(Source: Federal Railroad Administration press release, April 25, 2024) In a win for rail safety and rail workers, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) today announced that the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) and BNSF Railway (BNSF) will partner...
May 3, 2024 | Legislation, News, Railroad Safety
BLET members in Colorado and Minnesota are urged to get involved and help advance rail safety legislation in their respective states. In Colorado, members should immediately contact their State Senators to request their support of railroad safety bill HB24-1030. The...
May 2, 2024 | FRA, Headlines, Railroad Safety, UP
(Source: Associated Press, May 1, 2024) Union Pacific managers undermined the U.S. government’s efforts to assess safety at the railroad in the wake of several high-profile derailments across the industry by coaching employees on how to respond and suggesting they...
April 26, 2024 | Legislation, News, Railroad Safety
Drawing on his experience in lobbying for a rail safety bill in Nevada, BLET Division 766 (Las Vegas) member Jason Doering is using the media to urge legislators in Colorado to support a rail safety bill. Brother Doering’s opinion column was published in the Colorado...
April 25, 2024 | Headlines, Legislation, Obituary, Railroad Safety
The BLET mourns the passing of Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-NJ), a staunch advocate for rail safety who served as Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials.He passed away on April 6, 2024. Full story: NBC News
April 22, 2024 | Legislation, News, Railroad Safety, Train Length
Colorado State Legislative Board Chairman Paul Pearson ___________________ Colorado BLET members are working hard to secure passage of a major rail safety bill in the state’s legislature. BLET Vice President & National Legislative Representative Vince Verna, BLET...
April 16, 2024 | FRA, News, Railroad Safety, Technology
The BLET has filed formal comments with the Federal Railroad Administration opposing a safety waiver that would allow the introduction of autonomous train technology in the United States. BLET Vice President & National Legislative Representative Vince Verna said...
