(The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued the following press release on March 7.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Teamsters Union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) are joining forces to draw attention to potential disasters in waiting — unmanned locomotives. Union Pacific and other railroad companies are replacing trained, professional engineers with remote controlled operations, putting communities at risk. The FBI has warned the public of possible terrorism on the rails, as railroads are major transporters of nuclear waste, hazardous materials and explosive chemicals.
Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa will join Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) President Don Hahs at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) offices to call for regulations regarding the safety of remote controlled locomotives.
WHAT: Teamsters/BLE Rally for Remote Control Safety
WHO: James P. Hoffa, Teamsters General President; Don Hahs, BLE International President; Edward Wytkind, Executive Director, AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department
WHERE: Federal Railroad Administration
1120 Vermont Ave. NW
Washington, DC
WHEN: Tuesday, March 11, 2003
1:00 p.m.