Rail Industry News
Runaway rail car reported on same B.C. train line as fatal 2019 derailment
(Source: Revelstoke Review, January 29, 2020) REVELSTOKE, B.C. — A runaway train car carrying grain through Field was recently reported to the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) by CP Rail. The rail company confirmed the incident happened on January 14. Full story:...
Florida’s Brightline railroad is nation’s deadliest after high rate of track deaths
(Source: National Public Radio, January 29, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials in Florida are considering legislation aimed at curbing the high number of deaths on the tracks of a new passenger rail line. Brightline is a privately owned rail service operating trains...
Mobile mayor says he expects to “get to yes” on city-funded Amtrak service
(Source: Television station WALA, January 29, 2020) MOBILE, Ala. — Mayor Sandy Stimpson said Wednesday he expects to “get to yes” on city-funded passenger rail service but added he wants assurances it would not impact freight traffic. Full story:...
After $25,000 fee, wheelchair users wait for better Amtrak stations, trains
(Source: USA Today, January 29, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak's decision to charge two wheelchair users $25,000 to ride a train in Illinois generated a firestorm of criticism from disability advocacy groups and lawmakers. Though Amtrak reversed that decision and...
Canadian Pacific beats profit estimates in Q4 2019, sees higher 2020 shipments from trade deal
(Source: Reuters, January 29, 2020) NEW YORK — Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd topped analysts’ estimates for quarterly profit helped by higher freight revenue from crude shipments, and the company said it expects the U.S.-China trade deal to lift grain volumes in 2020...
Norfolk Southern stock jumps to record high
(Source: Market Watch, January 29, 2020) NEW YORK — Shares of Norfolk Southern Co. shot up 5.4% to a record high Wednesday, after the railroad operator reported a fourth-quarter profit that was well above expectations, although revenue fell slightly more than...
RCMP to review fatal B.C. train derailment investigation after evidence points to cover up by CP Rail
(Source: Vernon Morning Star, January 29, 2020) VERNON, B.C. — The RCMP will be reviewing the investigation into the fatal CP train derailment that occurred nearly a year ago just outside of Field. The RCMP confirmed it will review the file after a seven-month long...
Union Pacific to reopen almost 60 lanes, reversing course of last year
(Source: Supply Chain Dive, January 29, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Union Pacific Railroad will reopen 58 interline service lanes with CSX and Norfolk Southern beginning Feb. 1, the railroad informed customers Monday. The railroad said the decision was "a result of Union...
Wyoming legislature takes up two-person crew legislation
(Source: Television station KPVI, January 29, 2020) CASPER, Wyo. — After shooting down a similar bill in 2019, the Wyoming Legislature could be taking another crack at legislation intended to set a minimum crew size for trains operating on the state’s railways. Full...
Operation Lifesaver announces renewed grant from Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh
(Source: Operation Lifesaver press release, January 28, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) received renewed grant funding for its rail safety education efforts in 2020 from the Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, OLI Executive Director Rachel Maleh...
“We don’t belong in a rail yard;” North Moorhead residents feel boxed in by BNSF cars
(Source: Inforum, January 28, 2020) MOORHEAD, Minn. — It has been a dark start to the past few days for Todd Carlson and his neighbors. He and dozens of others in north Moorhead's Crystal Creek community feel boxed in as more than 150 BNSF Railway cars now line the...
Soddy-Daisy fire chief says blocked crossings could cost people their lives
(Source: Television station WTVC, January 28, 2020) SODDY-DAISY, Tenn. — A neighborhood in Soddy-Daisy is growing concerned for their safety after stalled trains are causing major delays. On Tuesday morning, the Soddy-Daisy Fire Department says a train stalled at the...
Busy rail crossing stalls San Antonio drivers, buses and first responders
(Source: Television station News4SanAntonio, January 28, 2020) SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Trains have been stopping on the tracks at the east side railroad crossing of Rittiman Road and Gibbs-Sprawl Road backing up traffic. Full story: www.news4sanantonio.com
Amtrak previews Avelia Liberty trains
(Source: Business Insider, January 22, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — All aboard: Amtrak just released a video showing one of two prototypes for its new, high-speed Acela trains in action. The new trains are part of a $30 billion infrastructure plan that Amtrak is...
Norfolk Southern declares quarterly dividend
(Source: Norfolk Southern press release, January 28, 2020) NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corporation today announced a regular quarterly dividend of 94 cents per share on its common stock. The dividend is payable March 10 to shareholders of record on Feb. 7. Norfolk...
CP Rail reports Q4 2019 profit of $664 million, up from Q4 2018
(Source: Canadian Press, January 29, 2020) CALGARY — Canadian Pacific Railway says it earned a fourth-quarter profit of $664 million, up from a profit of $545 million in the same period of 2018. Full story: Vancouver Courier
Government report faults FRA oversight of California high-speed rail project
(Source: Trains Magazine, January 25, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — A government report issued Friday says the Federal Railroad Administration provided inadequate oversight of federal funds granted to California’s high speed rail program, and as a result, $2.55 billion in...
CN expects crude shipments to drive growth in 2020
(Source: Reuters, January 28, 2020) MONTREAL — Canadian National Railway Co said on Tuesday it sees crude shipments as a growth driver in the year for the country’s largest railway operator, which reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit. Full story:...
Amtrak service along Gulf Coast still in jeopardy as Mobile postpones vote yet again
(Source: Television station WLOX, January 28, 2020) MOBILE, Ala. — The future of Amtrak passenger rail service is still hanging in the balance after city leaders in Mobile postponed their vote Tuesday morning. That leaves leaders across the Mississippi Gulf Coast and...
RCMP called to investigate Field, B.C., train derailment that killed 3 CP Rail crew members
(Source: Global News, January 29, 2020) CALGARY — Nearly a year after a tragic train derailment claimed the lives of three Calgarians working for Canadian Pacific Railway (CP), the RCMP has been asked to do an independent criminal investigation into the crash after...
BLET News
Rail carriers working against needed security legislation
The Association of American Railroads has sent a letter to members of Congress urging them not to support H.R. 4372, the Rail Worker Emergency Training Act of 2005.
Members OK 5-year pact with Portland & Western shortline
More than 80 members of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Portland & Western Railroad (P&W) on January 25.
BLET, UTU warn of rail safety concerns
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) President Don M. Hahs and United Transportation Union (UTU) President Paul C. Thompson issued the following outline describing joint concerns over railroad attempts to compromise public safety and security by reducing crew size on the nation’s railroads:
Protecting jobs, safety & Railroad Retirement
Setting past differences aside, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) and the United Transportation Union (UTU) have agreed to work together on a joint campaign to ensure a successful outcome to the current round of collective bargaining.
Space remains for LM-2 S-T Workshop in Wisconsin
If you are a Secretary-Treasurer who has to file an LM-2 report in the next few months, then you should consider attending the BLET’s LM-2 Secretary-Treasurer workshop in Madison, Wisc., from February 19-22.
Former GST Voyk, 81, passes away
Former BLE General Secretary-Treasurer and International Vice-President James L. “Jim” Voyk, 81, died Monday, January 23, 2006 at the Cleveland Clinic following a period of declining health. Brother Voyk lived in Brewster, Ohio.
BLET scores PNR shortline organizing win
The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainman kicked off its 2006 organizing campaign with a representation election victory at the Panhandle Northern Railroad (PNR).
Civil rights movement linked to labor movement
Today, the nation comes together to celebrate the legacy and contributions of a man who, through his words and actions, impacted the course of our nation’s history. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday, Americans across the country will celebrate by honoring the life and work of Dr. King, and working towards the goals which he did not achieve in his too-brief life.
Meany Center announces 2006 hazmat workshops
The Rail Workers Hazardous Materials Training Program will conduct hazardous materials transportation/chemical emergency response training programs at the George Meany Campus in Silver Spring, Md., on the following dates: May 7-12, 2006; June 4-9, 2006; and July 16-21, 2006.
ATDA files to represent UP Dispatchers
The American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) has launched a representation election to organize approximately 550 train dispatchers at Union Pacific Railroad.
