Rail Industry News
BLET, SMART-TD take attendance policy grievances to Buttigieg, Walsh
Two major rail unions are taking their concerns about attendance programs at BNSF and other Class I railroads to U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Labor Secretary Martin Walsh, saying that employees are pressured to take on work even though they’re fatigued.
Jan. 2022 rail traffic down compared to Jan. 2021
Combined U.S. carload and intermodal originations in January 2022 were 1,903,708, falling 9.5%, or 199,657 carloads and intermodal units, from January 2021.
Teamsters testify at Congressional hearing on automated vehicles
Automation and the future of the work force is a topic of great importance to Teamsters, transportation workers and the American public.
UP to use driverless trucks for first-mile/last-mile service
This spring, Union Pacific (UP) will start moving freight on an 80-mile, fully automated trucking route between a rail yard in Tucson and a high-volume distribution center outside of Phoenix.
This Black History Month, the Teamsters recommit to justice for all
Black history is American history. But throughout our nation’s long existence, it has been overlooked and glossed over, often not considered important enough to teach in schools. That’s why celebrating Black History Month every February is so essential – it focuses on what for many are the untold stories of great Americans that were disregarded because of the color of their skin.
Q&A: RRB reports performance under customer service plan
The Railroad Retirement Board’s Customer Service Plan promotes the following principles of quality public service: openness, accessibility, accountability, feedback, and timeliness standards.
Get the latest labor news from the Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters updates the news section of its website each day with the latest regarding the Teamsters, domestic and global labor and trade issues, state and living wage battles, social justice, the War on Workers, and many other important...
STB sets the stage for Amtrak Gulf Coast hearing
The STB yesterday announced details for the upcoming hearing on Amtrak’s application to reintroduce passenger-rail service along part of the Gulf Coast.
Alabama Port Authority announces new inland intermodal facility, CSX intermodal service from Mobile
The Alabama Port Authority will build an intermodal container transfer facility in Montgomery, Ala., to be served by CSX Transportation, after the authority’s board of directors approved a $2.042 million purchase of 272 acres for the new inland terminal to serve traffic from the Port of Mobile.
Five suspects arrested for burglarizing rail cars in Torrance, Calif.
Five people have been arrested for allegedly burglarizing train cars in Torrance, police said Tuesday.
Colorado county plans to challenge approval of Utah rail line
Eagle County officials are launching an effort to keep rail cars filled with crude oil off the rail line that runs along the Colorado River through much of western Colorado.
Derailed NS train cleared in Bluefield, but cause still undetermined
A railroad line passing through Bluefield, Va. has reopened after a derailment that closed it early Monday morning was cleared.
Part 2 of 5: More opponents line up to block Texas high-speed rail
A landowner in rural Texas is locked in a legal battle with the companies that are planning to build the Texas Central high-speed rail (HSR) project, which would establish a line between downtown Dallas and the intersection of two highways northwest of Houston.
Q&A: RRB reports performance under customer service plan
The Railroad Retirement Board’s Customer Service Plan promotes the following principles of quality public service: openness, accessibility, accountability, feedback, and timeliness standards.
Get the latest labor news from the Teamsters
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters updates the news section of its website each day with the latest regarding the Teamsters, domestic and global labor and trade issues, state and living wage battles, social justice, the War on Workers, and many other important...
Class I railroad employee COVID-19 infections and quarantines hit pandemic high
The combined number of Class I employees sidelined due to the pandemic — 4,183 — broke the prior record of 4,100 set in the week ending Jan. 9, 2021.
COVID surge sidelined 125 NJ Transit trains last month
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases took a toll on NJ Transit service last month when the agency was forced to cancel 125 trains as more front-line employees tested positive.
CSX, NS tout intermodal investments in South, Midwest
Eastern U.S. railroads CSX and Norfolk Southern are involved in two projects aimed at bolstering intermodal infrastructure and assets in the South and Midwest.
MBTA reallocates $500 million to safety, grants, worker retention
The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority has reallocated $500 million in operating costs to invest in one-time projects, thanks to a steady influx of federal emergency relief funds that have given the agency flexibility.
NS: About 30 cars derail near Bluefield, W.Va.
An intermodal Norfolk Southern train derailed 30 cars near Bluefield, Connor Spielmaker, media relations manager for Norfolk Southern, said Monday.
BLET News
Union, railway to honor New York & Atlantic employees’ heroic actions
Three employees of the New York & Atlantic Railway (NYA) will be honored as heroes Saturday, November 10, for their quick actions in September when they saved the life of a woman lying on the track in a Brooklyn railway tunnel.
Save the date: 2019 BLET regional meetings
The BLET National Division is pleased to announce the dates and locations of its 2019 regional meetings: June 24-28 in St. Louis, Missouri; and July 22-26 in Clearwater, Florida.
Open enrollment for the BLET Short-Term Disability On-The-Job (Part B) coverage
Open Enrollment for the BLET’s Short-Term Disability On-The-Job (Part B) insurance through MetLife will end on October 31, 2018. Those who enroll will have their coverage take effect on November 1, 2018.
BLET to host Secretary-Treasurer class in December 2018
The BLET Education and Training Department will conduct a training class for Secretary-Treasurers from December 10-13, 2018, at the BLET National Division headquarters in Independence, Ohio.
History of the BLET video now available
Due to overwhelming membership interest, the commemorative video produced in 2013 in recognition of the BLET’s 150th anniversary has been made available on YouTube.
Union Plus offers help to those impacted by Hurricane Michael
If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected by Hurricane Michael, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program.=
BLET delegates back rail labor unity and full Amtrak operations to conclude Fourth National Convention
Delegates today adopted resolutions in support of railroad labor unity and Amtrak’s long-distance trains as they wrapped up all business and formally adjourned the BLET’s Fourth National Convention.
President Pierce reelected by acclamation on Day 3 of BLET National Convention
Dennis R. Pierce was reelected by acclamation to his third full term as National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen yesterday at the union’s Fourth National Convention in Las Vegas. Additionally, all Advisory Board members were elected without opposition. Their terms of office will begin on January 1, 2019.
Vice Presidents Gil Gore, Cole Davis deliver farewell speeches
BLET National Vice President Gil Gore and National Vice President Cole Davis delivered emotional farewell speeches this morning during the BLET’s Fourth National Convention. Both men will retire effective December 31, 2018.
Teamsters’ Ken Hall highlights Day 2 of BLET’s Fourth National Convention
Teamsters General Secretary-Treasurer Ken Hall energized BLET delegates with a motivational speech that was a highlight today of the BLET’s Fourth National Convention. Delegates also enjoyed video messages from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren during Day 2 of the four-day convention.
