Rail & Labor News from RWU
Weekly Digest Number 5 - February 2, 2021
Failed Brake System Caused Fatal Wyoming Train Collision
The National Transportation Safety Board determined Monday that an airbrake failure caused the fatal, Oct. 4, 2018, collision between two Union Pacific trains in Granite Canyon, Wyoming.
The collision occurred when the air brakes on an eastbound UP freight train failed while descending a hill. The NTSB determined an air flow restriction in the brake pipe caused the air brake system to fail, and the end-of-train device failed to respond to an emergency brake command. The striking train collided with the rear of a standing UP freight train at about 55 mph, causing the lead locomotives of the striking train and railcars of both trains to derail. The locomotive engineer and conductor of the striking train were killed.
Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Statement on TSB Report into Pierre-Luc Levesque’s Death
“The issues raised in the TSB report into Brother Levesque’s death are symptomatic of the shortfalls in Canada’s rail sector safety culture. The focus on profits and efficiency over safety must change. Every accident is preventable but after 13 fatalities in three years, it appears evident to our union that the rail carriers and regulators lack the commitment to take the necessary actions to prevent these tragedies."
Labor Unions' Letter Expresses Support Behind National Mediation Board Appointments
"We, the undersigned unions representing hundreds of thousands of Americans working in the airline and rail industries, take pleasure in expressing our strong support of Deirdre Hamilton to serve as a Member on the National Mediation Board (NMB), and for sitting NMB member Linda Puchala's reappointment to the board. We also urge you to make these appointments immediately. Unlike other federal agencies, the Trump-appointed NMB will remain in control until new board members are nominated and confirmed by the Senate. With each passing day, the Trump NMB is allowed more opportunity to suppress the voices of aviation and rail workers, stifle collective bargaining rights, and undermine the Biden-Harris pro-worker agenda."
The derailed locomotive was remote-controlled: Train technology explained
Remote-controlled railroad locomotives have been in use in U.S. railroad yards for decades, railroad experts say.
A worker with a controller is often on the ground with their eyes on the train during switching movements.
CSX officials said the train that derailed early Sunday morning the Queensgate rail yard was being operated remotely. There is no indication that the remote operation of the locomotive contributed in any way to the derailment. The incident remains under investigation.

Regulators Discuss LNG-by-Rail Safety Concerns — After Approving New Rule To Allow Transporting LNG by Rail
DeSmog spoke to Ron Kaminkow, a locomotive engineer and General Secretary of Rail Workers United, who criticized the idea that training and human factors are the biggest contributor to accidents. “Proper training is essential,” Kaminkow explained. But, he added, “to just say with proper training everything will be ok is … it’s just absurd.”
There are many ways to improve the safety of moving hazardous materials by rail, and well trained and well rested operators are a critical part of safety. However, for a panel addressing the issue of how to improve the safety of moving LNG by rail to say this is the most impactful factor in improving safety is to ignore the many safety concerns with moving flammable materials by rail.
Amtrak CEO Flynn outlines railroad's legislative priorities            
Amtrak Chief Executive Officer Bill Flynn is urging Congress to support five legislative priorities that would help the national intercity passenger railroad recover from the pandemic's economic fallout and expand service.

Revolving Door Between Rail Carriers and Rail Regulators Continues
The R.J. Corman Railroad Group, LLC named Ronald L. (Ron) Batory, former FRA Administrator, to the Board of Directors on Feb. 1.
Until earlier this month, Batory had served as the 14th FRA Administrator; he was sworn in Feb. 28, 2018.  Prior to federal service, Batory was President and Chief Operating Officer of Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) for 12 years, until his retirement in April 2017.

Chair DeFazio Announces Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee Chairs and Democratic Committee Roster
Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-OR) announced the Committee’s Democratic roster for the 117th Congress, as well as the six subcommittee chairs and the full Committee Vice Chair, all of whom were approved by the Democrats on the Committee. In total, there will be 37 Democrats serving on the Committee, 36 of whom are named below. One spot remains open, pending selection by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.

Intermodal carloads up 12% but railroads struggle with trip plan compliance 
U.S. railroads originated 1.1 million carloads in December, a nearly 4% YoY decline, and more than 1.3 million intermodal containers, an increase of more than 12% YoY, according to the latest numbers from the Association of American Railroads.
Railroad executives are highlighting railroad efforts to improve intermodal trip plan compliance as the segment's volume has grown in recent months.
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