Rail Industry News
Regulators scrutinize trends on second day of rail growth hearings
At the opening of today’s Surface Transportation Board hearing on the lack of rail freight volume growth, Vice Chair Karen Hedlund said she was still struck by what she heard the day before from analysts and shippers and Class I railroad executives.
Railroads and regulators must address the dangers of long trains, report says
The report said there is a clear correlation between the number of derailments related to in-train forces and the long trains that routinely measure more than a mile or two long.
Norfolk Southern CEO fired for “consensual relationship” with railroad’s chief legal officer
A statement from the company on Wednesday said that Shaw had been dismissed “for cause,” which could prevent him from collecting the kind of exit package that CEOs often receive when shown the door.
Safety concerns are at the heart of the TCRC-CN/CPKC dispute as arbitration decision draws near
A major issue in the ongoing negotiations is fatigue safety. According to the union, the railway companies are seeking to weaken protections around rest periods, shift length and scheduling.
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to step down amid misconduct probe, sources say
The Wall Street Journal reported that the railroad’s board opened a probe into him late Sunday over an alleged affair with an employee.
Amtrak and partners break ground on new Connecticut River Bridge
The new bridge will support a maximum train operating speed of 70 mph, a 55% increase from today’s maximum speed of 45 mph.
TCRC formally appeals binding arbitration order
The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (Teamsters) filed appeals challenging the decisions that led to binding arbitration being imposed on workers at CN and CPKC, effectively stripping them of their right to collectively bargain.
ATDA organizes train dispatchers at Genesee & Wyoming
On September 4, 2024, the NMB announced that Train Dispatchers from the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad have voted to unionize with the ATDA.
Rail worker’s death in Ohio railyard highlights union questions about remote control trains
BLET Vice President Randy Fannon, who heads the union’s Safety Task Force, said he thinks, “This tragic incident in Ohio involving a remotely operated train, blindly controlled from behind, would not have happened if there had been a locomotive engineer in the cab.”
BNSF stresses safety but is still held back by longstanding industry issues, report finds
The FRA also reiterated its recommendation for BNSF and all the major freight railroads to sign on to the confidential federal safety reporting hotline for workers to report concerns without fear of being punished.
Back-to-work order issued at CN, CPKC; TCRC will comply, but lawsuit planned
The Canadian arbitrator appointed to resolve a messy railroad labor dispute to protect the North American economy has ordered employees at the country’s two major railroads back to work so both can resume operating.
Canada forces arbitration in freight train labor dispute; Union cries foul
The union representing 10,000 engineers, conductors and dispatchers responded angrily to the order, accusing the railroads of intentionally creating a crisis to force the government to intervene. It also said it would keep its picket lines in place while reviewing the decision.
CN and CPKC begin lockout in Canada
Despite months of good faith negotiations on the part of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, parties remain far apart, and both CN and CPKC have began their lockout of 00:01 today.
Canada’s Labor Minister to meet with rail companies, union to avoid massive shutdown
Without a last-minute agreement or binding arbitration, the bulk of Canada’s freight rail traffic could grind to a halt this week.
TCRC receives lockout notice from CN
Work stoppage still set for 00:01 on Thursday, August 22, unless parties reach last-minute agreement.
Participants line up to bend STB’s ear at rail growth hearing
Regulators will hear from railroad execs, shippers, suppliers, trade groups, rail labor, and analysts at next month’s hearing on the long-term decline in carload volume
Canadian government rejects CN request to intervene in labor dispute ahead of potential lockout, strike
Labour Minister Steve MacKinnon has rejected the Canadian National Railway Company’s request to intervene in the ongoing labour dispute between the company and the union representing railway employees.
Hidden report reveals how workers got sick while cleaning up East Palestine derailment site
Workers who reported headaches and nausea — while shooting compressed air into the creek bed, which releases chemicals from the sediment and water — were sent back to their hotels to rest, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press about their illnesses.
CPKC, CN embargoes intensify ahead of potential strike/lockout in Canada
The latest action by CN impacts U.S. originating intermodal railcars destined for Canada, while CPKC will discontinue domestic reefer shipments.
Union Pacific hasn’t yet lived up to deal to give all its engineers predictable schedules
Union Pacific is holding back on its promises to make schedules more predictable for train crews to address the quality of life concerns that nearly caused a nationwide rail strike two years ago, according to the union that represents engineers.
BLET News
In the Line of Duty: Division 604 member Jerry D. Arterberry, 1969-2024
Brother Jerry D. Arterberry, a BNSF conductor and member of BLET Division 604, suffered a medical emergency and passed away while working at BNSF’s yard in Madill, Oklahoma, on September 7. He was 54 years old.
Americans’ approval of labor unions near highest level since 1960s
A Gallup survey release just prior to Labor Day 2024 shows that a strong majority of Americans continue to view labor unions in a positive light.
Sausville reelected Chairman of Florida State Legislative Board
Brother Shawn Sausville was reelected to his second term as Chairman of the BLET’s Florida State Legislative Board during its quadrennial meeting on August 28, 2024. Brother Sausville is a CSX locomotive engineer who also serves as Legislative Representative of Division 309 (Jacksonville, Fla.).
BLET continues to lead the way in publicly exposing the dangers of remote control train operations
In an August 28 national news story, the Associated Press reported on a simple solution to improving the safety of remote control train operations: two-person train crews.
Registration open for upcoming rail hazmat training classes
The Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program is hosting four in-person rail worker training sessions in late 2024 and early 2025. The dates are as follows: October 13-18, 2024; January 12-17, 2025; February 16-21, 2025; and March 16-21, 2025.
FRA safety culture survey shows need for C3RS as BNSF continues to retaliate against workers for reporting safety concerns
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released the results of its safety culture survey at the BNSF Railway on August 28. The FRA found that company leaders routinely say that safety is a core value, but lower-level managers still prioritize keeping the trains...
Labor Day 2024: BLET members show their pride
Toledo photo: BLET members and guests in the Northwest Ohio area gathered to participate in the Toldeo Labor Day parade. Union pride was on full display at parades, picnics, and related events on Labor Day. Major parades took place in large cities such as Milwaukee,...
California: BLET secures C3RS safety program for new COASTER members
The BLET wasted no time in making working conditions safer for new members at COASTER by securing participation in C3RS. NCTD image _____________________ The BLET has hit the ground running at COASTER and is already making the workplace safer for its newest members....
NJ Transit: PEB 251 issues report and recommendations
On August 23, Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) 251 issued its recommendations to President Biden to settle the contract dispute between BLET and New Jersey Transit. Under the Railway Labor Act, if there is no settlement between the parties based on a PEB’s...
FRA backs BLET, denies carriers’ backdoor effort to waive PTC safety regulations
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sided with the BLET on August 26 when it denied a joint waiver request by five railroads seeking to change operating rules in the event of unplanned Positive Train Control (PTC) outages. The BLET filed formal written comments...
