Rail & Labor News from RWU
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Weekly Digest Number 4 - January 21st, 2025 | |
Welcome to the RWU Rail & Labor News! This news bulletin is produced and emailed out each Tuesday morning. We hope you find each week's news and information useful. If so, please share with co-workers, friends, and colleagues. If you like, you can sign them up to get all the news from RWU HERE. Or forward them the link. Got a hot tip? Please forward the article and a link to raillabornews@gmail.com. Note: If you read over this news bulletin each week, you will be sure to never miss the important news of what is going on in the railroad world from a worker's perspective! | |
THIS WEEK'S RAIL AND LABOR NEWS | |
Editor's Note: Robert Primus’s remarks cut to the heart of a troubling contradiction in today’s rail industry. How can the “largest, safest, and most energy-efficient freight rail system in the world” lose ground to less capable competitors? The answer lies in the relentless pursuit of record profits, achieved by gutting service, slashing jobs, and ignoring growth opportunities. This is not a failure of the railroads’ potential but a betrayal of it—proof that when Wall Street calls the shots, the needs of shippers, workers, and the public take a backseat. If rail is to reclaim its rightful place in the economy, it will require bold leadership willing to demand investment in people and infrastructure over profits. | |
Freight Waves / January 17th
Robert Primus made it clear: The hearing the board held last fall on growth in the rail industry did not ease his concerns about Class I efforts to increase volume.
In a rare address Thursday at the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers Winter Meeting, Primus expressed abundant frustration over railroads’ continuing loss of market share.
“We are the largest, safest, most cost-efficient and energy-conscious freight rail system in the world,” Primus said, “and yet we struggle to grow, even when growth opportunities exist. For the past year, we have continually lost market share to our chief competitor who has seen better days, while all six Class Is are enjoying a period of record profits".
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Editor's Note: The 99% strike authorization by Unifor’s Local 101R sends a resounding message: workers will not settle for anything less than fairness. Over 1,200 mechanical workers at CPKC are prepared to take a stand against the growing imbalance between labor and corporate power. As talks resume, this vote serves as a reminder that unity and resolve remain the most powerful tools of the working class. | |
Trains Magazine / January 15th
Members of Canadian union Unifor in Calgary have voted to authorize a strike against Canadian Pacific Kansas City if the railroad and union do not reach a new deal by Jan. 29, 2025.
The union said the vote was 99% in favor of authorization by members of Local 101R, which represents more than 1,200 CPKC mechanical workers.
The two sides are set to resume negotiations Jan. 24 in Calgary.
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Editor's Note: Amtrak’s routine cancellations, like the recent alert for the Empire Builder, lay bare a troubling trend: years of neglect have left the nation’s passenger rail system ill-prepared for even routine winter conditions. Subzero temperatures are not blizzards, yet the railroads balk as though they are. Is this failure merely incompetence, or a calculated effort to dismantle public trust in long-distance rail? Either way, it’s the same old story: the public loses while those at the top face no accountability. | |
Railway Age / January 16th
Early the week of Jan. 13, Amtrak issued a cancellation alert for its Empire Builder. Such cancellations are now standard at Amtrak, and not just for the Empire Builder, Amtrak’s northernmost long-distance service.
Is the weather “inclement?” That’s a highly subjective word, but according to the forecasts from the National Weather Service, it evidently means—in Amtrak terminology—subzero weather. No snow, minimal wind. Not a blizzard.
Have years of management apathy created a product line where equipment, maintenance and employees are stretched so thin that even the most routine recurrence of winter operation lead to forced cancelations?
Are (these) large-scale service cancellations on long-distance trains (also) part of a long-term plan to erode public support for the service by eliminating reliability as a reason for annual appropriations by Congress?
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Editor's Note: The election of Congresswoman Dina Titus as Ranking Minority Leader of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee is a win for the working class and the future of rail. Her unwavering support for two-person train crews and high-speed rail highlights her commitment to both safety and progress. Titus understands what too many in power ignore: railroads thrive when workers and communities thrive. Her leadership is a reminder that real progress comes from investing in people, not just profits. | |
SMART Union / Janaury 16th
Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-Nevada) has been elected to serve as the Ranking Minority Leader of the House Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. Rep. Titus has been a dedicated advocate for our members, championing key legislation that supports freight rail, bus, and transit workers.
Rep. Titus has been instrumental in advocating for legislation like the INVEST in America Act, which benefits our transit members, and in advancing the Brightline West project creating hundreds of new jobs on America’s rails. She led the Nevada delegation in securing funding for the high-speed rail project connecting Las Vegas to Southern California, ensuring that union jobs would be a cornerstone of the project.
As a senior member of the House T&I Committee, her support for the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024 is crucial for this transformative bill that stands to dramatically improve safety and working conditions for freight rail workers, including crucial protections like two-person train crews and train length limitations.
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Editor's Note: SMART-MD members have ratified a national agreement securing an 18.8% wage increase over five years, improved health benefits with no added costs, and expanded vacation access. While progress is always welcome, the challenge remains: ensuring these gains keep pace with inflation and the demands of a changing industry. | |
Progressive Railroading / January 15th
The National Carriers Conference Committee announced that members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ Mechanical and Engineering Department (SMART-MD) recently voted to ratify a national collective bargaining agreement with the NCCC.
The contract covers freight-rail employees through Dec. 31, 2029, and provides wage increases of 18.8% over five years, enhancements to health and welfare benefits with no increase to employee contribution rates, and access to more paid vacation time for employees earlier in their careers.
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Editor's Note: BMWED members at CSX have ratified a five-year deal delivering an 18.77% wage increase, faster vacation accrual, and better health benefits. While these improvements mark progress, the fight continues to ensure rail labor agreements reflect the value and sacrifices of the workforce. | |
Progressive Railroading / January 13th
CSX employees represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED) have voted to ratify a five-year collective bargaining agreement, the union and railroad announced last week.
The new agreement secures gains for nearly 4,200 CSX employees represented by the BMWED, including raises of 18.77% compounded over the life of the contract, a reduction in the time needed to accumulate vacation, improved health and welfare benefits, and significant improvements to local work rules.
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Editor's Note: The court’s rejection of the 2020 LNG-by-rail rule exposes yet another instance of corporate greed trumping public safety. Allowing unlimited tank cars of volatile liquefied natural gas to hurtle through communities without environmental safeguards was not just reckless—it was indefensible. This decision reaffirms what rail labor and safety advocates have long known: when profits are prioritized over people, disaster is only a matter of time. | |
Trains Magazine / January 18th
A federal court struck down a Department of Transportation rule on transportation of liquefied natural gas enacted in 2020, saying the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration did not sufficiently consider the safety risks involved.
The decision agreed with a group of state attorneys general, environmental groups, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, who challenged the rule on the grounds that the PHMSA was “arbitrary and capricious” in its decision not to require an environmental impact statement as part of the rulemaking process.
Judge Florence Pan, author of the decision, noted that the rule set no limit on the number of LNG tank cars that could be included in a single train and set no speed limit for such trains. She cited comments during the rulemaking process that “expressed alarm about the potentially catastrophic consequences” of a train of LNG tank cars.
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Editor's Note: California’s withdrawal of the In-Use Locomotive Regulation waiver is a stark reminder of who holds the reins in the rail industry. By opposing cleaner technologies, railroads have chosen to protect their bottom line at the expense of workers, communities, and the planet. The fight for zero-emission locomotives isn’t just about environmental progress—it’s about ensuring that railroads serve the public good, not just corporate profits. The future of rail should be clean, sustainable, and just—anything less is a betrayal of its promise. | |
Railway Age / January 15th
California has withdrawn its pending waiver and authorization requests that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not yet acted on. In a win for railroads, this includes the In-Use Locomotive Regulation.
The In-Use Locomotive Regulation that had been up for EPA review would have banned any locomotive that is 23 years or older from operating in California starting in 2030 and required that new locomotives only operate in the state if they are “zero-emissions locomotives,” beginning in 2030 for switcher, industrial and passenger locomotives and 2035 for line haul locomotives.
Rail industry groups, including the Association of American Railroads (AAR) and the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), oppose the regulation, and called on the EPA to reject CARB’s authorization request to implement it.
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Editor's Note: It is disgusting to see Brightline oppose the union drive in Florida in the manner that it did. This from a company that agreed to recognize the union in all aspects of building and operating the new "Brightline West" from LA to Las Vegas. The company agreed to recognize the union out west when it was more than happy to take billions in public money. Given its behavior in Florida, rail unions would be wise to be prepared for an about face once the western route is up and running - if not before. | |
Transport Workers of America / January 14th
Onboard Attendants and Lead Attendants on the Brightline railroad in Florida voted January 14, 2025, to join the Transport Workers Union of America.
The National Mediation Board announced the election results in Washington, D.C., after weeks of balloting and an aggressive anti-union campaign by the privately-owned company.
Last year, Brightline workers approached the TWU to seek representation to gain a voice in the workplace and address several issues. These include a draconian sick time policy, heavy-handed discipline without due process, erratic work schedules, and a failure to secure improvements from management.
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Editor's Note: PennDOT’s push to restore passenger rail service between Scranton and New York City is a step toward reconnecting communities and investing in sustainable transit. With federal funding and a comprehensive plan underway, this project holds promise for revitalizing regional rail and reducing reliance on cars. | |
Progressive Railroading / January 17th
After receiving federal funding to expand passenger rail across the state, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is taking the next step to pursue the proposed Scranton to New York Penn Station Passenger Rail Corridor project.
PennDOT is developing a project service development plan, which will include stakeholder engagement with railroads, agencies and the public; service options analysis; capital project identification and cost estimates; environmental analysis; and financial planning.
The corridor project would restore intercity passenger-rail service between Scranton and New York Penn Station, providing access to New York City and northwestern New Jersey.
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Editor's Note: Chairman Robert Primus’s warning to rail carriers exposes a harsh truth: too often, the powerful wield intimidation to silence those who challenge them. Retaliation against shippers undermines the very principles of fairness and accountability that the rail industry claims to uphold. For carriers that thrive on record profits while exploiting workers and shippers alike, such tactics are no surprise. If railroads truly believe in their own rhetoric, they should welcome transparency—not fear it. | |
Progressive Railroading / January 17th
STB Chairman Robert Primus today issued a statement warning rail carriers to refrain from retaliating or threatening to retaliate against shippers and other stakeholders that participate in regulatory proceedings perceived as adverse to railroads.
Primus said that during his time on the board, he's been advised such retaliation or threats of retaliation occur.
"While I am not suggesting that most railroads engage in retaliatory acts or threats in response to shipper engagement with the agency, enough concerns have been raised that I believe it is important to remind the industry that the board has already made clear several times over the years that it does not tolerate retaliation. Shippers must be able to participate in board processes, both to protect their rights and to provide information to the board that is important to our mission, without fear of retaliation," Primus stated.
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Editor's Note: Are you passionate about building worker power and strengthening grassroots organizations? Railroad Workers United seeks a dedicated and dynamic organizer to help grow our movement. In this pivotal role, you’ll connect with railroad workers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, bringing new members into the fold while empowering current members to take on active leadership roles. This remote, 18-month contract position (20 hours per week) offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by growing membership and increasing engagement among a vital and dedicated workforce. | |
Railroad Workers United / January 14th
Are you passionate about building worker power and strengthening grassroots organizations? Railroad Workers United seeks a dedicated and dynamic organizer to help grow our movement. In this pivotal role, you’ll connect with railroad workers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, bringing new members into the fold while empowering current members to take on active leadership roles.
This remote, 18-month contract position (20 hours per week) offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact by growing membership and increasing engagement among a vital and dedicated workforce.
If, after reading the job description below, there are questions, please feel free to contact:
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 14, 2025
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Labor Network for Sustainability / January 15th
This is a reminder of our annual day of action on February 4th, known as Transit Equity Day. Now as we head towards an uncertain future with federal funding in America, we need you more than ever.
This is why our theme this year is “We Want YOU for Better Public Transit”. Creating an action can be as large as a rally at your state capitol building, or as small as reserving a seat on your local busses for Rosa Parks. Just let your voice be heard!
In Solidarity,
Bakari Height
Transit Organizer
Labor Network for Sustainability
(678) 805-7082
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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LABOR MOVEMENT | |
Each week, RWU includes a few articles about advances and developments in the larger labor movement that are of interest to railroad workers. Got an artcile to submit for possible inclusion next week? Email it along to raillabornews@gmail.com. Thank you! | |
Truthout / January 14th
In recent years the labor movement has witnessed a resurgence in organizing, and 2024 was no different.
Tens of thousands of workers fought for pay raises, increased job protections, and union representation. Workers across the United States also linked their domestic struggles with Israel’s assault on Palestine, demanding an arms embargo and an end to the genocide in Gaza.
While the labor movement undeniably gained ground in 2024, union organizers now face the looming return of Donald Trump’s pro-business agenda. However, unions are preparing to fight back.
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Portside Labor / January 18th
This is a frightening time for immigrant workers. President-elect Donald Trump ran on the slogan “mass deportations now,” and has appointed a team of anti-immigrant hardliners.
The leadership of the Democratic Party has lurched to the right on this issue, adopting Trump’s rhetoric about “securing the border,” and embracing core Republican policies. A bill that would target undocumented people for deportation if they are merely accused—not convicted—of nonviolent crimes like shoplifting passed in the House with bipartisan support. It’s moving forward in the Senate where only eight Democrats opposed its advance.
Fortunately, some unions and workers’ centers have been busy mobilizing a robust defense, through direct action, political action, and negotiating protections into union contracts. Many of these efforts started long before Trump was elected.
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Editor's Note: This man was a true union "leader" in that he maintained a principled position, did not back down, could not be bought, and saw a series of rolling strikes for two years maintain the two person crew and initiate better pay for members. His name is revered among the British working class. Can you imagine a rail union "leader" in the USA being a "household word," let alone being revered? | |
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RailTech.com / January 9th
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has decided to retire at the age of 63 after serving the union in many capacities. The firebrand trade unionist shot to public fame during the two-year strike, which resolved with the new left-leaning Labour government acceding to pay demands.
Mick Lynch became a household name during the often acrimonious and long-running strike action on the British railway network. The government of the day, led by the right-wing Conservative Party, refused to meet demands on pay and conditions, without significant concessions on working practices.
It was only after taking up a post with Eurostar in 1993, that Mick Lynch joined the RMT (Rail, Maritime and Transport Union), and helped to build a strong branch organization. “It has been a privilege to serve this union for over 30 years in all capacities,” said Mick Lynch. “Now it is time for change. This union has been through a lot of struggles in recent years, and I believe that it has only made it stronger despite all the odds.”
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WEEKLY DERAILMENT DEPARTMENT | |
Each Tuesday in this news bulletin, RWU does our best to present a picture of what has been happening over the course of the previous week in terms of derailments in North America, and investigation determinations of previous accidents. NOTE: This list is by no means comprehensive. Smaller and less consequential mishaps are generally not reported here. If the wreck results in injury or fatality, or is especially damaging/extreme, a full article will appear as a feature in the dozen or so rail articles above. Know of a train wreck? Please feel free to forward a link to raillabornews@gmail.com for possible inclusion next week. Thanks! |
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