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Rail Industry News

Amtrak CEO sees travel down 70% in 2021

(Source: Reuters, October 21, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The chief executive of Amtrak will tell lawmakers on Wednesday the U.S. passenger railroad expects travel and revenue to fall by more than 70% from pre-coronavirus levels in 2021, as it considers more service and...

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CN reports Q3 2020 financial results

(Source: CN press release, October 20, 2020) MONTREAL — CN today reported its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2020. "CN's people never stopped working since the beginning of the pandemic and I am proud of the essential...

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CP Rail reports Q3 2020 results

(Source: Canadian Pacific Railway press release, October 20, 2020) CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Railway Limited today announced third-quarter revenues of $1.86 billion, diluted earnings per share ("EPS") of $4.41, adjusted diluted EPS of $4.12 and an operating ratio of...

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Amtrak tests new faster trains

(Source: CBS News, October 17, 2020) NEW YORK — Amtrak is set to roll out its fastest train yet, traveling at up to 160 mph. Amtrak gave CBS News an inside look at the speed tests for the new trains, which are set to debut in 2021. Full story: Yahoo News

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BLET News

Five hurt in Minnesota head-on collision; BLET Safety Task Force deployed

Five train crew members were injured yesterday following a head-on collision between two Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range (DMIR) freight trains in Two Harbors, Minn. BLET Safety Task Force member Daniel Lauzon is assisting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) with its investigation.

BLET National Division Convention opens October 4

Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa will deliver the keynote address during opening ceremonies of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen’s (BLET’s) Second National Convention, which kicks off here on October 4.

Open enrollment coming soon for important health care reform changes

Starting shortly, employees covered under the Railroad Employees National Health and Welfare Plan and the National Railway Carriers and United Transportation Union Health and Welfare Plan (the Plan) will receive their annual Open Enrollment Packets from Railroad Enrollment Services. It is imperative that every employee open the packet to read the important Plan changes effective January 1, 2011. Further, it is also vital that each employee reads the instructions on how to comply with the Federal Law requiring Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for covered dependents.

UP General Chairman Bill Hannah reelected by acclamation

Brother D.W. “Bill” Hannah was reelected by acclamation to his fourth term as General Chairman of the Union Pacific-Western Lines General Committee of Adjustment at triennial meetings in San Diego, Calif., from September 21-23, 2010.

BLET urges FRA to improve cab safety, security

In the aftermath of the tragic murder of CSX Conductor Fred Gibbs in the cab of his train’s lead locomotive, BLET National President Dennis Pierce has called on the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to act to improve the safety and security of locomotive cabs to help protect operating crews.

Teamsters Canada Rail Conference opens Second National Convention

Some 165 delegates and a gallery of almost 150 guests and invited international visitors opened the second quadrennial national convention of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) here on September 21 under the banner of “Building the Future.”

San Antonio hosts BLET for 75th annual SWCM

Linda Chavez-Thompson, candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Texas and former Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, addressed more than 300 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) today during opening ceremonies of the union’s 75th annual Southwestern Convention Meeting (SWCM).

BLET launches close call reporting system at Amtrak

Amtrak and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) will begin working together to improve safe train operations under a joint Confidential Close Call Reporting System (C3RS) at nine locations throughout the United States.

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