CLEVELAND, October 25 — In light of the recent warnings by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding possible terrorist attacks on America’s railroads, BLE International President Don Hahs today issued an open letter to the nation’s labor organizations, rail carriers, the Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board asking for an immediate anti-terror summit to address these threats.
“It has been over a year since the tragic events of September 11 and in light of the warning issued yesterday, I think it is imperative that all parties meet in order to discuss preventative measures to protect the freight and passenger rail system,” said Hahs. “I am proposing an immediate meeting for this purpose, so that labor, the carriers and the government can coordinate our safety efforts.”
On October 24, the FBI issued a public warning that al Qaeda may be planning to attack passenger trains. While this warning was issued to the carriers on October 22, representatives of employees were not informed until yesterday’s public announcement.
“We received notice from one of our passenger rail General Chairmen expressing his outrage that he was not immediately informed of this threat and, as a result could not advise his membership properly,” said Hahs. “We need a meeting with all parties so that we can all be informed. Our ability to do our jobs safely is at stake.”
The public warning, the second from the government in the last two weeks, was based on interviews in mid-October of Qaeda followers in custody in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, the bureau said. The statement said the intelligence had not given details about the method, place or timing of a possible attack.
“BLE members want to do their part in protecting national security. We need to address this issue in order to ensure a safe workplace for our members, but also to ensure the safety of the traveling public,” said Hahs. “Much attention has been given to the issue of airline safety, but little has been paid to the miles of rail system in our country.”
Hahs encourages BLE members to remain vigilant in their duties and to immediately report suspicious activities to the proper authorities.