Rail Industry News
15 years after Graniteville crash, the sounds of train whistles still haunt residents
(Source: Television station WRDW, January 7, 2020) GRANITEVILLE, S.C. — Heart and breathing problems, body pain, and emotional trauma -- that's what people in Graniteville still feel today 15 years after a massive, deadly chlorine release that left nine people dead...
Mexico train robberies rose 13% in third-quarter of 2019
(Source: Freight Waves, January 8, 2020) CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — During the third quarter of 2019, the number of train robberies in Mexico rose 13% compared with the previous quarter, according to data compiled by Mexico’s Railway Transport Regulatory Agency (ARTF)....
Hoffa: New Year brings big responsibility for voters
(Source: Column by Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa, published in the Detroit News, January 1, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, America begins a very important year in its existence. Over the next 11 months, voters will decide who they want to lead this country...
CN to report Q4 2019 results on January 28
(Source: Canadian National press release, January 6, 2020) MONTREAL — CN will issue its fourth-quarter and year-end 2019 financial and operating results on Jan. 28, 2020, at 4.01 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). CN's senior officers will review the results and the railway's...
NY governor wants to add tracks, access at Penn Station
(Source: Associated Press, January 6, 2020) NEW YORK — The country's busiest train station would get new tracks, expanded terminals and better access for commuters under a plan announced Monday by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Full story: The Daily Star
Canadian Pacific sets record quarter for Canadian grain movements
(Source: Canadian Pacific Railway press release, January 6, 2020) CALGARY, Alberta — Canadian Pacific moved more Canadian grain and grain products in 2019's final quarter than any prior quarter in the company's history. Shipping totals came in at 7.9 million metric...
Genesee & Wyoming completes $8.4 billion sale with “excellent outcome”
(Source: Railway Age, January 3, 2020) NEW YORK — Genesee & Wyoming (G&W) recently announced the completion of its $8.4 billion sale to affiliates of Brookfield Infrastructure and GIC. Full story: Railway Age
BNSF to use divers to remove fuel from locomotive that derailed in Kootenai River after rock slide
(Source: The Spokesman-Review, January 6, 2020) SPOKANE, Wash. — While the train track damaged by a rock slide on New Year’s Day re-opened Saturday, two engines are still in the Kootenai River about 10 miles east of Bonners Ferry. The rock slide derailed three...
Class I railroads embrace PSR to mixed results in 2019
(Source: Supply Chain Dive, December 29, 2019) WASHINGTON, D.C. — In 2019, almost every Class I railroad transitioned to its own version of precision-scheduled railroading (PSR) — an operating strategy coined by the late CSX CEO Hunter Harrison. The hallmarks of PSR...
NTSB to add new members Graham, Chapman
(Source: Progressive Railroading, January 3, 2020) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will add two members this weekend, bringing the board to its full complement of five members for the first time since February 2019. Michael Graham and Thomas Chapman...
More shipper accusations of railroad price fixing
(Source: Railway Track & Structures, January 6, 2020) NEW YORK — Back in December, RT&S reported that Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., along with other shippers, accused the major U.S. railroads of price fixing, with a focus on fuel surcharges. Today, the Houston...
Teamsters statement on death of UPS Teamster drivers on PA turnpike
(Source: International Brotherhood of Teamsters press release, January 6, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Teamsters Union mourns the loss of two Teamsters Local 776 members and UPS drivers, Dennis Kehler and Daniel Kepner, who were killed Sunday in an accident on the...
AAR: Rail traffic down in December and for week ending December 28, 2019
(Source: Association of American Railroads press release, January 3, 2020) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Association of American Railroads (AAR) today reported U.S. rail traffic for the week ending December 28, 2019, as well as volumes for December 2019. U.S. railroads...
Norfolk Southern lays off nearly 70 Roanoke employees
(Source: Television station WSET, January 6, 2020) ROANOKE, Va. — Norfolk Southern announced furloughs for less than 70 employees in Roanoke Monday morning, Jan. 6. In September of last year, they furloughed 130 employees then last April they let go of 45 more...
Will Virgin Trains expand to Jacksonville?
(Source: Daytona Beach News-Journal, January 3, 2020) DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — As Michael Cegelis speaks at a recent Central Florida Transportation Planning Group meeting, the crowd inside the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority boardroom quietly listens. Full story:...
Why Microsoft is getting behind a revolutionary plan for high-speed rail in the Pacific Northwest
(Source: Fast Company, December 19, 2019) SEATTLE — Imagine it’s derby day between the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers, with the treasured Cascadia Cup on the line between these two MLS franchises and their passionate fanbases. In years past, the Timbers Army...
Norfolk Southern to announce Q3 2019 results on January 29
(Source: Norfolk Southern press release, January 3, 2020) NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Southern Corporation will announce its fourth-quarter financial results during a conference call and live internet webcast at 8:45 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020. Quarterly earnings...
Mobile to delay decision on commitment to Amtrak
(Source: www.al.com, December 30, 2019) MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile City Council will likely postpone Tuesday a crucial vote that could determine the future of passenger rail service returning to the city. The delay comes after council members learned late last week...
Mist that sickened Norfolk Southern workers unidentified
(Source: Suffolk News-Herald, December 30, 2019) SUFFOLK, Va. — The source of a mysterious mist that sickened two train workers as their train passed through downtown Suffolk on Saturday evening is still undetermined, according to city officials. Full story: Suffolk...
BNSF crew trapped in derailed train escape, make it to shore
(Source: ABC Fox Montana, January 2, 2020) BONNERS FERRY, Idaho — Bonners Ferry Firefighters and other emergency first responders are still working to contain a BNSF train that derailed into the Kootenai River Later Wednesday night. According to the Boundary County...
BLET News
Finamore new CSXT-North Lines General Chairman
R.A. “Rick” Finamore of BLET Division 757 (New Castle, Pa.) was elected General Chairman of the CSX Transportation-Northern Lines General Committee of Adjustment at meetings held in Jacksonville, Fla., from September 26-28.
New Proof of Disability form ready for download
As most BLET members know, an employee who leaves work due to disability must provide proof of that disability in order for benefits to continue.
BNSF General Committee (Santa Fe) elects officers
In meetings now concluded here, the delegates to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe General Committee of Adjustment (former Santa Fe) have re-elected current General Chairman Pat Williams to serve another three-year term. Mark Banton was re-elected as First Vice-Chairman.
Raffle to benefit family of G.Y. Bailey
BLET Divisions in the Houston area are sponsoring a raffle to benefit the family of Brother G.Y. (Greg) Bailey, who lost his life in a head on collision of two Union Pacific trains in Shepard, Texas on September 15.
U.S. Senate considers rail security
The U.S. Senate is currently considering a bill that seeks to improve the security of America’s freight and passenger rail transportation system.
Teamsters accepting disaster relief applications from victims of Hurricane Ophelia
The Teamsters are accepting disaster relief applications from members who live in the state of North Carolina following Hurricane Ophelia, which struck the state on September 11-17.
UnitedHealthcare announces open enrollment under GA-23111
UnitedHealthcare has announced a special open enrollment under policy GA-23111. The open enrollment period will be held during the month of December, 2005.
Important information about UnitedHealthcare coverage
On January 1, 2006, Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage will go into effect. As a result, your current plan, GA-23111 Plan D will no longer provide you with a prescription drug benefit as of that date. Only the prescription drug benefit will be discontinued from your plan; all other health benefits will remain unchanged.
BLET members urged to act on Amtrak bill
BLET members are urged to contact their U.S. Senators and ask them to support S. 1516, a bill that would provide long-term funding for Amtrak.
Arkansas accident raises safety concerns
Hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes in Texarkana, Ark., after an explosive railroad accident on October 15. A Union Pacific rail car carrying a tank of highly flammable propylene gas exploded after colliding with another train.
