Rail Industry News
Wall Street says NS profits won’t suffer from derailment
Bank of America’s Ken Hoexter wrote that Norfolk Southern may have to pay $40 million to $50 million in a “casualty charge.” In 2022, the rail giant generated some $12.7 billion in revenue and $3 billion in profits. A $50 million charge would equal roughly 1.7% of its 2022 profits.
NS derailment in Ohio released more toxic chemicals than first reported
The Feb. 3 derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in Ohio released more toxic chemicals than first reported, according to a report NS provided to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Trains are becoming less safe. Why the NS derailment disaster in Ohio could happen more often
Had industry lobbying interests not prevailed on the 2015 ECP brake rule, the Norfolk Southern Railway train involved in the Feb. 3 derailment may have been equipped with the better braking system, shown in studies to reduce the size of a derailment pile up when emergency braking is applied.
Waterways along Ohio River still contaminated following NS derailment
Waterways along the Ohio River are still contaminated with hazardous materials following a train derailment that spilled multiple toxic chemicals, but officials are confident that those waterways are contained and not affecting water supplies.
Two more trains derail just weeks after Ohio chemical spill
US rail seems to be in an extremely bad place.
Five lingering questions over NS train derailment, toxic spill
Questions have swirled in recent days around the root causes of the accident and whether residents should be concerned about a continued threat to land and water. The accident has also raised scrutiny over safety regulations.
NTSB finds car that caused East Palestine derailment; preliminary findings expected in 2 weeks
According to an update from the board, surveillance video from a residence showed what appears to be a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheating moments before the derailment.
Is the Ohio River contaminated? East Palestine train derailment sparks concerns over water
The fiery derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border and controlled release of one of the chemicals it was carrying has prompted concern that the drinking water some five million people rely on could be impacted.
Additional dangerous chemicals discovered at East Palestine derailment site
First News was recently informed of three more chemicals that were on the Norfolk Southern train that derailed in East Palestine just over a week ago — and we are being told that those chemicals are dangerous.
EPA says NS covered up contaminated soil to rebuild rail line
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sent a letter to Norfolk Southern claiming it failed to properly dispose of contaminated soil after the train derailment in East Palestine.
Animals falling sick, dying near NS derailment site in East Palestine
Animals are falling sick and dying near the site of a hellish Ohio train derailment last Friday which released toxic chemicals into the air, according to reports — sparking fears of the potential health impacts the crash could have on humans.
Ohio lawmakers demand more from NS and EPA after East Palestine derailment and chemical release
Ohio’s lawmakers said they want more — more testing, a more vigorous response, and more accountability — in the wake of the train derailment and toxic chemical release in East Palestine, Ohio, last week.
Lawsuit seeks medical testing after toxic train derailment
Residents who filed a federal lawsuit in the fiery derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals along the Ohio-Pennsylvania line are seeking to force Norfolk Southern to set up health monitoring for residents in both states.
Norfolk Southern may be responsible for clean-up costs at the train derailment site in East Palestine, Ohio.
Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, have been told it’s safe to go back to their homes after a train derailment forced the controlled release and burn of toxic chemicals—but they’re not all so sure about that. Some complain about lingering chemical odors and wonder what that means for the air they’re breathing and the water they’re drinking.
EPA could hold NS liable for East Palestine derailment
Norfolk Southern may be responsible for clean-up costs at the train derailment site in East Palestine, Ohio.
NS to notify some residents of “at risk” drinking water in East Palestine
Norfolk Southern, the railway company at the center of the East Palestine derailment disaster, will alert some residents that their well water might not be safe.
Where do railroad workers go from here?
Four railroad workers discuss Congress’s handling of the rail contract dispute, and how All Street’s destruction of the freight rail system is only going to get worse for workers, shippers, and all of us.
Truck driver killed in crash with UP train in Texas; Hazmat cars derail
The driver of the 18-wheeler died from injuries sustained in the crash. There were no injuries among Union Pacific’s train crew.
TTD calls for FRA to require Class I participation in close-call reporting system
The Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO is calling on the Federal Railroad Administration to require Class I railroads to participate in the Confidential Close Call Reporting System, a currently voluntary method of tracking and addressing near-accident situations.
Rail workers never stopped fighting for paid sick days. Now persistence is paying off
Earlier this week, one of the largest freight railroads in the world, CSX, announced a deal with two rail unions to provide four days of paid sick leave annually, plus the option of converting three personal days into additional paid sick time.
BLET News
Party crashers: BLET demands new contract in the midst of NJ Transit’s birthday celebration
Members of Teamsters Joint Council 73 joined the BLET's NJ Transit rally on September 30. ________________________________ The BLET is continuing to use every legal means necessary to secure a new contract at NJ Transit. On September 30, about 150 BLET members and...
20 BLET families win Hoffa scholarships for 2023-24 school year, including five $10,000 winners
Since 2000, the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund (JRHMSF) has been awarding college scholarships to the sons and daughters of Teamsters. The Fund relies on the generosity and support of Teamsters local unions, Joint Councils and friends. In 2023, the JRHMSF...
Ronnie Rhodes reelected UP-Central General Chairman
Ronnie Rhodes (right) pictured here with his wife Lisa at the 2023 Milwaukee regional meeting, was reelected to his fourth full term as General Chairman of the Union Pacific-Central Region GCA. ___________________ Ronnie E. Rhodes was reelected to his fourth full term...
BLET members ratify quality of life agreement with BNSF
The four BLET General Chairmen reported on October 3 that a majority of BLET Divisions representing locomotive engineers on BNSF Railway ratified a system-wide agreement that improves the quality of work-life balance for approximately 8,000 locomotive engineers.
Open enrollment for 2024 Health FSA to run from now to October 31, 2023
From now until midnight on October 31, 2023, you can enroll or change your Medical or Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefit selections for the 2024 benefit year. Members must enroll in the Health FSA every year — FSA enrollment is not automatic each year, and...
Shutdown Scenerios: Government shutdown would impact FRA, STB, RRB
This week, Congress must enact a continuing appropriations act, or Continuing Resolution (CR), to prevent a government shutdown beginning Sunday, October 1. At this point, it is unclear if Congress will reach an agreement to prevent a shutdown. There are also question...
Generation Z: Future is bright for organized labor, thanks to America’s most pro-union generation
The future is looking bright for organized labor, with strong support across all generations and highest among Generation Z. According to recent reports, members of Gen Z have been on the frontlines leading the renewed push for labor unions. A new analysis from the...
Deepest Condolences: Illinois State Legislative Board Chairman Chris Falaney, 1968-2023
The BLET National Division sends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother Chris G. Falaney who unexpectedly passed away on September 20, 2023. He was 55 years old. A member of BLET Division 683 (Chicago, Ill.), Brother Falaney served the BLET as...
BLET Legislative Reps meet in DC to sharpen skills and lobby Congress
The BLET’s Education & Training Department wrapped up its Legislative Representative Workshop this week at Teamster headquarters in Washington, D.C. The workshop for 20 BLET Legislative Reps taught them how to become better lobbyists on behalf of the union. The...
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 2023 and early 2024. The dates are as follows: October 15-20, 2023; January 14-19, 2024; February 4-9, 2024; and March 3-8, 2024.
