The BLET has been in firm opposition to allowing locomotive engineers coming out of Mexico to operate trains into the United States. Now the inability of most Mexican national train crew members to speak fluent English has become a safety and security issue.
In April, it was announced that the Trump administration had taken action to require truck drivers to know how to speak and read English. Those who fail English proficiency tests would be taken out of service over safety concerns. In an August 20 article in FreightWaves, BLET National President Mark Wallace said that language proficiency is critically important for those who operate trains and that the Federal Railroad Administration should implement requirements similar to what is now required of truckers.
“A requirement of a crew change at any international crossing would make certain that these train crews are proficient in the English language while operating trains,” Wallace said. “There can be no miscommunication when critical safety information is being conveyed. Requirements that train crews have legal work authority within the U.S. are vital to ensuring that the crews are fully subject to the FRA’s safety jurisdiction, including certification, qualification, and training requirements.”
Visit the FreightWaves website to read the full article.
Photo by David Hawkins