(Source: Railway Age opinion column by Jim Blaze, May 2, 2022)
NEW YORK — While this career-focused investigative reporter considerers the pros and cons offered in Washington D.C., I’m still trying to root for the rail freight growth and recovery success. However, that’s hard to do. The railroads are not making a slam-dunk good case so far. As STB Chairman Marty Oberman pointed out, the railroads have significantly reduced their collective workforce: “During the past six years, the Class I’s collectively have reduced their workforce by 29%—that is about 45,000 employees cut from the payrolls. In my view, all of this has directly contributed to where we are today.” There is “the run,” the recovery pace hurdle. Without a reserve, and with reluctant return of trained employees, PSR is seriously handicapped.
Full story: Railway Age