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Rail Workers Weekly News Digest
Number 38 - September 22, 2020
Below is a series of articles compiled over the previous week.
They are of interest to railroad workers and activists.
New Natural Gas Transportation Rule Sparks Safety Concerns
The Trump administration is now allowing liquefied natural gas to be transported by rail anywhere in the country, including major cities. Critics worry about accidents and catastrophic explosions.
Mexican rail blockade costing millions; Toyota, VW expanding in Mexico

Kansas City Southern de México's rail traffic was reportedly disrupted by protestors near the port city of Lázaro Cárdenas
Mexican farmers protesting water rights have blocked railway tracks across the country since Aug. 26, costing Mexico’s economy millions in delayed freight, according to trade officials.
Fourth in a Series: Amtrak’s Impossible Demands
Kicking AMTRAK while it's down?
"Time is running out for daily operation of Amtrak’s long-distance trains. It could also be running out for the very concept that a train could provide reliable transportation between far-flung communities every day, with same-day connections to other trains, at least in this country. "
Vancouver to be Site for New Transload Facility From CP and Maersk
Canada’s largest commercial port and North America’s third largest port, will be the site for a new import transload facility that is designed to simplify operations and in turn by lowering truck transport contribute to improvements in the environment.
NC gets federal grant to buy corridor for Raleigh-Richmond high-speed rail
"The effort to establish high-speed passenger rail service between Raleigh and Richmond, Virginia, got a boost Friday..."
NTSB renews call for mandated cameras on locomotives
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) yesterday reiterated its call for federal regulators to mandate the use of inward- and outward-facing cameras on locomotives.

The announcement follows the board's investigation of a 2019 collision between two CSX trains in Ohio, in which investigators found that the engineer of one train was impaired by his use of alcohol at the time of the accident.

Railroad Retirement Board Annual Report to Congress
As required by law, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) submits annual reports to Congress on the financial condition of the railroad retirement and railroad unemployment insurance systems.

These reports must also include recommendations for any financing changes that may be advisable in order to ensure the solvency of the systems.

In June, the RRB submitted its reports on the railroad retirement and railroad unemployment insurance systems.

The following questions and answers summarize the findings of these reports.
Pacific Harbor Line and BLET sign new agreement
In a joint announcement, PHL-BLET said, “The new agreement includes wage increases, a matching 401(k) savings plan, a signing bonus, and no increases in employee health and welfare contributions for the life of the contract.”