In an interview with America’s Work Force Union Podcast, BLET National President Eddie Hall talked about growing concerns with rail safety one year after the tragic events of East Palestine, Ohio. He said the Norfolk Southern derailment of February 3, 2023, brought rail safety to the national spotlight and created an opportunity to introduce legislation that could improve rail safety. However, rail industry lobbyists have so far blocked the advancement of national rail safety legislation.
Also in the interview, President Hall discussed how implementation of the operating model known as Precision Scheduled Railroading has put profits ahead of safety. Cost-cutting measures under PSR have led to massive job cuts, which has resulted in more unsafe situations on America’s railroads. President Hall also examined the dangers of excessively long trains in the 55-minute podcast.
Listen to the interview on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.